Baby bottles comprising polyester compositions which comprise cyclobutanediol

ABSTRACT

Described are baby bottle(s) comprising polyesters comprising (a) a dicarboxylic acid component having terephthalic acid or an ester thereof; optionally, an aromatic dicarboxylic acid or aliphatic dicarboxylic acid or esters thereof; 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol; and 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol.

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) to U.S.Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/691,567 filed on Jun. 17, 2005, U.S.Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/731,454 filed on Oct. 28, 2005, U.S.Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/731,389, filed on Oct. 28, 2005,U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/739,058, filed on Nov. 22,2005, and U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/738,869, filed onNov. 22, 2005, U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/750,692 filed onDec. 15, 2005, U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/750,693, filedon Dec. 15, 2005, U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/750,682,filed on Dec. 15, 2005, and U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No.60/750,547, filed on Dec. 15, 2005, all of which are hereby incorporatedby this reference in their entireties.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to baby bottles comprising apolyester made from terephthalic acid, or an ester thereof,2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol, and 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol,the polyester having a certain combination of inherent viscosity andglass transition temperature (Tg). These baby bottles are believed tohave a unique combination of at least two of the following properties:high impact strengths, high glass transition temperature (T_(g)), goodresistance to steam and boiling water sterilization, lowductile-to-brittle transition temperatures, good color, good clarity,low densities, chemical resistance, hydrolytic stability, and longcrystallization half-times, which allow them to be easily formed intoarticles.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Baby bottles are a unique container in that they can be processable by avariety of processes (extrusion blow molding, stretch blow molding, etc)but must be resistant to sterilization. Typically, containers aresterilized prior to use by exposure to the steam of boiling water, or byimmersion in boiling water. Times of exposure can be as long as severalhours. Polypropylene has been used to fabricate baby bottles, but thesebottles are hazy and are not regarded as premium. Consumers desire highclarity to ensure that the milk provided to their babies is not tainted.Conventional bottles made using common clear materials, such aspoly(ethylene terephthalate), will typically lose their shape duringsterilization due to the low glass transition temperature of thismaterial relative to boiling water. Thus, other materials, such asbisphenol-A polycarbonate and polysulfone are commonly used to fabricatebaby bottles. However, these materials have certain deficiencies, suchas cost, consumer perception, chemical resistance, hydrolytic stability,etc. which can limit their use in these applications. Thus, there is aneed in the industry for a high-heat, transparent material that can beused to fabricate baby bottles that does not possess these deficiencies.

Poly(1,4-cyclohexylenedimethylene terephthalate) (PCT), a polyesterbased solely on terephthalic acid, an ester thereof, or mixturesthereof; and 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol, is known in the art and iscommercially available. This polyester crystallizes rapidly upon coolingfrom the melt, making it very difficult to form amorphous articles bymethods known in the art such as extrusion, injection molding, and thelike. In order to slow down the crystallization rate of PCT,copolyesters can be prepared containing additional dicarboxylic acids orglycols such as isophthalic acid or ethylene glycol. These ethyleneglycol- or isophthalic acid-modified PCTs are also known in the art andare commercially available.

One common copolyester used to produce films, sheeting, and moldedarticles is made from terephthalic acid, 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol, andethylene glycol. While these copolyesters are useful in many end-useapplications, they exhibit deficiencies in properties such as glasstransition temperature and impact strength when sufficient modifyingethylene glycol is included in the formulation to provide for longcrystallization half-times. For example, copolyesters made fromterephthalic acid, 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol, and ethylene glycol withsufficiently long crystallization half-times can provide for amorphousproducts that exhibit what is believed to be higher ductile-to-brittletransition temperatures and lower glass transition temperatures than thecompositions revealed herein.

Polymers containing 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol have alsobeen generally described in the art. Generally, however, these polymersexhibit high inherent viscosities, high melt viscosities and/or high Tgs(glass transition temperatures) such that the equipment used in industrycan be insufficient to manufacture or post polymerization process thesematerials.

Thus, there is a need in the art for baby bottles comprising at leastone polymer having a unique combination of two or more properties,chosen from the following: toughness and high glass transitiontemperatures, high impact strength, hydrolytic stability, chemicalresistance, long crystallization half-times, low ductile to brittletransition temperatures, good color and clarity, lower density, and/orthermoformability of polyesters while retaining processability on thestandard equipment used in the industry.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is believed that certain baby bottles containing polyesters formedfrom terephthalic acid, an ester thereof, or mixtures thereof;1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; and 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediolwith certain monomer compositions, inherent viscosities, and/or glasstransition temperatures, are superior to baby bottles made frompolyesters known in the art and to polycarbonate, polypropylene andglass with respect to at least one or more of high impact strengths,hydrolytic stability, toughness, chemical resistance, good color andclarity, long crystallization half-times, low ductile to brittletransition temperatures, thermoformability, and/or lower specificgravity. These baby bottles are believed to be similar to those madefrom polycarbonate in heat resistance and are still processable on thestandard industry equipment.

In one aspect, the invention relates to a baby bottle comprising atleast one polyester composition comprising at least one polyester whichcomprises:

(a) a dicarboxylic acid component comprising:

-   -   i) 70 to 100 mole % of terephthalic acid residues;    -   ii) 0 to 30 mole % of aromatic dicarboxylic acid residues having        up to 20 carbon atoms; and    -   iii) 0 to 10 mole % of aliphatic dicarboxylic acid residues        having up to 16 carbon atoms; and

(b) a glycol component comprising:

-   -   i) 20 to 99 mole % of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol        residues; and    -   ii) 1 to 80 mole % of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol residues,

wherein the total mole % of the dicarboxylic acid component is 100 mole%, and

the total mole % of the glycol component is 100 mole %;

wherein the inherent viscosity of the polyester is from 0.35 to 1.2 dL/gas determined in 60/40 (wt/wt) phenol/tetrachloroethane at aconcentration of 0.5 g/l 00 ml at 25° C.; and

wherein the polyester has a Tg of from 110 to 200° C.

In one aspect, this invention relates to a baby bottle comprising atleast one polyester composition comprising at least one polyester whichcomprises:

(a) a dicarboxylic acid component comprising:

-   -   i) 70 to 100 mole % of terephthalic acid residues;    -   ii) 0 to 30 mole % of aromatic dicarboxylic acid residues having        up to 20 carbon atoms; and    -   iii) 0 to 10 mole % of aliphatic dicarboxylic acid residues        having up to 16 carbon atoms; and

(b) a glycol component comprising:

-   -   i) 40 to 80 mole % of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol        residues; and    -   ii) 20 to 60 mole % of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol residues,

wherein the total mole % of the dicarboxylic acid component is 100 mole%, and

the total mole % of the glycol component is 100 mole %;

wherein the inherent viscosity of the polyester is from 0.35 to 0.75dL/g as determined in 60/40 (wt/wt) phenol/tetrachloroethane at aconcentration of 0.5 g/100 ml at 25° C.; and

wherein the polyester has a Tg of 110 to 170° C.

In one aspect, this invention relates to a baby bottle comprising atleast one polyester composition comprising at least one polyester whichcomprises:

(a) a dicarboxylic acid component comprising:

-   -   i) 70 to 100 mole % of terephthalic acid residues;    -   ii) 0 to 30 mole % of aromatic dicarboxylic acid residues having        up to 20 carbon atoms; and    -   iii) 0 to 10 mole % of aliphatic dicarboxylic acid residues        having up to 16 carbon atoms; and

(b) a glycol component comprising:

-   -   i) 40 to greater than 80 mole % of        2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol residues; and    -   ii) less than 20 to 60 mole % of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol        residues,

wherein the total mole % of the dicarboxylic acid component is 100 mole%, and

the total mole % of the glycol component is 100 mole %;

wherein the inherent viscosity of the polyester is from 0.35 to 0.75dL/g as determined in 60/40 (wt/wt) phenol/tetrachloroethane at aconcentration of 0.5 g/100 ml at 25° C.; and

wherein the polyester has a Tg of 110 to 170° C.

In one aspect, this invention relates to a baby bottle comprising atleast one polyester composition comprising at least one polyester whichcomprises:

(a) a dicarboxylic acid component comprising:

-   -   i) 70 to 100 mole % of terephthalic acid residues;    -   ii) 0 to 30 mole % of aromatic dicarboxylic acid residues having        up to 20 carbon atoms; and    -   iii) 0 to 10 mole % of aliphatic dicarboxylic acid residues        having up to 16 carbon atoms; and

(b) a glycol component comprising:

-   -   i) 40 to 65 mole % of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol        residues; and    -   ii) 35 to 60 mole % of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol residues,

wherein the total mole % of the dicarboxylic acid component is 100 mole%, and the total mole % of the glycol component is 100 mole %;

wherein the inherent viscosity of the polyester is from 0.35 to 0.75dL/g as determined in 60/40 (wt/wt) phenol/tetrachloroethane at aconcentration of 0.5 g/100 ml at 25° C.; and

wherein the polyester has a Tg of 110 to 170° C.

In one aspect, this invention relates to a baby bottle comprising atleast one polyester composition comprising at least one polyester whichcomprises:

(a) a dicarboxylic acid component comprising:

-   -   i) 70 to 100 mole % of terephthalic acid residues;    -   ii) 0 to 30 mole % of aromatic dicarboxylic acid residues having        up to 20 carbon atoms; and    -   iii) 0 to 10 mole % of aliphatic dicarboxylic acid residues        having up to 16 carbon atoms; and

(b) a glycol component comprising:

-   -   i) 40.1 to 64.9 mole % of        2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol residues;    -   ii) 35.1 to 59.9 mole % of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol residues;        and    -   iii) 0.10 to less than 15 mole % ethylene glycol;

wherein the total mole % of the dicarboxylic acid component is 100 mole%, and the total mole % of the glycol component is 100 mole %; and

wherein the inherent viscosity of the polyester is from 0.35 to 0.75dL/g or less as determined in 60/40 (wt/wt) phenol/tetrachloroethane ata concentration of 0.5 g/100 ml at 25° C.; and

wherein the polyester has a Tg of 110 to 170° C.

In one aspect, this invention relates to a baby bottle comprising atleast one polyester composition comprising at least one polyester whichcomprises:

(a) a dicarboxylic acid component comprising:

-   -   i) 70 to 100 mole % of terephthalic acid residues;    -   ii) 0 to 30 mole % of aromatic dicarboxylic acid residues having        up to 20 carbon atoms; and    -   iii) 0 to 10 mole % of aliphatic dicarboxylic acid residues        having up to 16 carbon atoms; and

(b) a glycol component comprising:

-   -   i) 40 to 55 mole % of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol        residues; and    -   ii) 45 to 60 mole % of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol residues,

wherein the total mole % of the dicarboxylic acid component is 100 mole%, and the total mole % of the glycol component is 100 mole %; and

wherein the inherent viscosity of the polyester is from 0.35 to 0.75dL/g as determined in 0/40 (wt/wt) phenol/tetrachloroethane at aconcentration of 0.5 g/100 ml at 25° C.; and

wherein the polyester has a Tg of 110 to 160° C.

In one aspect, this invention relates to a baby bottle comprising atleast one polyester composition comprising at least one polyester whichcomprises:

(a) a dicarboxylic acid component comprising:

-   -   i) 70 to 100 mole % of terephthalic acid residues;    -   ii) 0 to 30 mole % of aromatic dicarboxylic acid residues having        up to 20 carbon atoms; and    -   iii) 0 to 10 mole % of aliphatic dicarboxylic acid residues        having up to 16 carbon atoms; and

(b) a glycol component comprising:

-   -   i) 45 to 55 mole % of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol        residues; and    -   ii) 45 to 55 mole % of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol residues,

wherein the total mole % of the dicarboxylic acid component is 100 mole%, and the total mole % of the glycol component is 100 mole %; and

wherein the inherent viscosity of the polyester is from 0.35 to 0.75dL/g as determined in 0/40 (wt/wt) phenol/tetrachloroethane at aconcentration of 0.5 g/100 ml at 25° C.; and

wherein the polyester has a Tg of 110 to 160° C.

In one aspect, this invention relates to a baby bottle comprising atleast one polyester composition comprising at least one polyester whichcomprises:

(a) a dicarboxylic acid component comprising:

-   -   i) 70 to 100 mole % of terephthalic acid residues;    -   ii) 0 to 30 mole % of aromatic dicarboxylic acid residues having        up to 20 carbon atoms; and    -   iii) 0 to 10 mole % of aliphatic dicarboxylic acid residues        having up to 16 carbon atoms; and

(b) a glycol component comprising:

-   -   i) 40 to 65 mole % of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol        residues; and    -   ii) 35 to 60 mole % of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol residues,

wherein the total mole % of the dicarboxylic acid component is 100 mole%, and the total mole % of the glycol component is 100 mole %; and

wherein the inherent viscosity of the polyester is from 0.35 to 0.75dL/g as determined in 60/40 (wt/wt) phenol/tetrachloroethane at aconcentration of 0.5 g/100 ml at 25° C.; and

wherein the polyester has a Tg of 110 to 170° C.

In one aspect, this invention relates to a baby bottle comprising atleast one polyester composition comprising at least one polyester whichcomprises:

(a) a dicarboxylic acid component comprising:

-   -   i) 70 to 100 mole % of terephthalic acid residues;    -   ii) 0 to 30 mole % of aromatic dicarboxylic acid residues having        up to 20 carbon atoms; and    -   iii) 0 to 10 mole % of aliphatic dicarboxylic acid residues        having up to 16 carbon atoms; and

(b) a glycol component comprising:

-   -   i) 20 to 99 mole % of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol        residues; and    -   ii) 1 to 80 mole % of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol residues;

wherein the total mole % of the dicarboxylic acid component is 100 mole%, and the total mole % of the glycol component is 100 mole %;

wherein the inherent viscosity of the polyester is 0.35 to 1.2 dL/g asdetermined in 60/40 (wt/wt) phenol/tetrachloroethane at a concentrationof 0.5 g/100 ml at 25° C.;

wherein the polyester has a Tg of 110 to 200° C.; and

wherein one or more branching agents is added prior to or during thepolymerization of the polymer.

In one aspect, this invention relates to a baby bottle comprising atleast one polyester composition comprising:

(I) at least one polyester which comprises:

(a) a dicarboxylic acid component comprising:

-   -   i) 70 to 100 mole % of terephthalic acid residues;    -   ii) 0 to 30 mole % of aromatic dicarboxylic acid residues having        up to 20 carbon atoms; and    -   iii) 0 to 10 mole % of aliphatic dicarboxylic acid residues        having up to 16 carbon atoms; and

(b) a glycol component comprising:

-   -   i) 20 to 99 mole % of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol        residues; and    -   ii) 1 to 80 mole % of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol residues; and        (II) at least one thermal stabilizer and/or reaction products        thereof,

wherein the total mole % of the dicarboxylic acid component is 100 mole%, and the total mole % of the glycol component is 100 mole %;

wherein the inherent viscosity of the polyester is from 0.35 to 1.2 dL/gas determined in 60/40 (wt/wt) phenol/tetrachloroethane at aconcentration of 0.5 g/100 ml at 25° C.; and

wherein the polyester has a Tg of 110 to 200° C.

In one aspect, this invention relates to a baby bottle comprising atleast one polyester composition comprising at least one polyester whichcomprises:

(a) a dicarboxylic acid component comprising:

-   -   i) 70 to 100 mole % of terephthalic acid residues;    -   ii) 0 to 30 mole % of aromatic dicarboxylic acid residues having        up to 20 carbon atoms; and    -   iii) 0 to 10 mole % of aliphatic dicarboxylic acid residues        having up to 16 carbon atoms; and

(b) a glycol component comprising:

-   -   i) 20 to 99 mole % of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol        residues; and    -   ii) 1 to 80 mole % of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol residues;

wherein the total mole % of the dicarboxylic acid component is 100 mole%, and the total mole % of the glycol component is 100 mole %;

wherein the inherent viscosity of the polyester is 0.35 to 1.2 dL/g asdetermined in 60/40 (wt/wt)phenol/tetrachloroethane at a concentrationof 0.5 g/100 ml at 25° C.; and

wherein the polyester has a Tg of 120 to 150° C.

In one aspect, this invention relates to a baby bottle comprising atleast one polyester composition comprising at least one polyester whichcomprises:

(a) a dicarboxylic acid component comprising:

-   -   i) 70 to 100 mole % of terephthalic acid residues;    -   ii) 0 to 30 mole % of aromatic dicarboxylic acid residues having        up to 20 carbon atoms; and    -   iii) 0 to 10 mole % of aliphatic dicarboxylic acid residues        having up to 16 carbon atoms; and

(b) a glycol component comprising:

-   -   i) 20 to 99 mole % of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol        residues; and    -   ii) 1 to 80 mole % of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol residues,

(c) at least one thermal stabilizer and/or reaction products thereof;

wherein the total mole % of the dicarboxylic acid component is 100 mole%, and the total mole % of the glycol component is 100 mole %;

wherein the inherent viscosity of the polyester is from 0.35 to 1.2 dL/gas determined in 60/40 (wt/wt)phenol/tetrachloroethane at aconcentration of 0.5 g/100 ml at 25° C.; and

wherein the polyester has a Tg of 130 to 145° C.

In one aspect, this invention relates to a baby bottle comprising atleast one polyester composition comprising at least one polyester whichcomprises:

(a) a dicarboxylic acid component comprising:

-   -   i) 70 to 100 mole % of terephthalic acid residues;    -   ii) 0 to 30 mole % of aromatic dicarboxylic acid residues having        up to 20 carbon atoms; and    -   iii) 0 to 10 mole % of aliphatic dicarboxylic acid residues        having up to 16 carbon atoms; and

(b) a glycol component comprising:

-   -   i) 40 to 65 mole % of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol        residues; and    -   ii) 35 to 60 mole % of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol residues,

wherein the total mole % of the dicarboxylic acid component is 100 mole%, and the total mole % of the glycol component is 100 mole %;

wherein the inherent viscosity of the polyester is from 0.35 to 1.2 dL/gas determined in 60/40 (wt/wt) phenol/tetrachloroethane at aconcentration of 0.5 g/100 ml at 25° C.; and

wherein the polyester has a Tg of 110 to 160° C.

In one aspect, this invention relates to a baby bottle comprising atleast one polyester composition comprising at least one polyester whichcomprises:

(a) a dicarboxylic acid component comprising:

-   -   i) 70 to 100 mole % of terephthalic acid residues;    -   ii) 0 to 30 mole % of aromatic dicarboxylic acid residues having        up to 20 carbon atoms; and    -   iii) 0 to 10 mole % of aliphatic dicarboxylic acid residues        having up to 16 carbon atoms; and

(b) a glycol component comprising:

-   -   i) 40 to 65 mole % of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol        residues; and    -   ii) 35 to 60 mole % of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol residues,

wherein the total mole % of the dicarboxylic acid component is 100 mole%, and the total mole % of the glycol component is 100 mole %;

wherein the inherent viscosity of the polyester is from 0.35 to 1.2 dL/gas determined in 60/40 (wt/wt) phenol/tetrachloroethane at aconcentration of 0.5 g/100 ml at 25° C.; and

wherein the polyester has a Tg of 110 to 150° C.

In one aspect, this invention relates to a baby bottle comprising atleast one polyester composition comprising at least one polyester whichcomprises:

(a) a dicarboxylic acid component comprising:

-   -   i) 70 to 100 mole % of terephthalic acid residues;    -   ii) 0 to 30 mole % of aromatic dicarboxylic acid residues having        up to 20 carbon atoms; and    -   iii) 0 to 10 mole % of aliphatic dicarboxylic acid residues        having up to 16 carbon atoms; and

(b) a glycol component comprising:

-   -   i) 40 to 65 mole % of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol        residues; and    -   ii) 35 to 60 mole % of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol residues,

wherein the total mole % of the dicarboxylic acid component is 100 mole%, and the total mole % of the glycol component is 100 mole %;

wherein the inherent viscosity of the polyester is from 0.35 to 1.2 dL/gas determined in 60/40 (wt/wt) phenol/tetrachloroethane at aconcentration of 0.5 g/100 ml at 25° C.; and

wherein the polyester has a Tg of 120 to 160° C.

In one aspect, this invention relates to a baby bottle comprising atleast one polyester composition comprising at least one polyester whichcomprises:

(a) a dicarboxylic acid component comprising:

-   -   i) 70 to 100 mole % of terephthalic acid residues;    -   ii) 0 to 30 mole % of aromatic dicarboxylic acid residues having        up to 20 carbon atoms; and    -   iii) 0 to 10 mole % of aliphatic dicarboxylic acid residues        having up to 16 carbon atoms; and

(b) a glycol component comprising:

-   -   i) 40 to 65 mole % of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol        residues; and    -   ii) 35 to 60 mole % of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol residues,

wherein the total mole % of the dicarboxylic acid component is 100 mole%, and the total mole % of the glycol component is 100 mole %;

wherein the inherent viscosity of the polyester is from 0.35 to 1.2 dL/gas determined in 60/40 (wt/wt) phenol/tetrachloroethane at aconcentration of 0.5 g/100 ml at 25° C.; and

wherein the polyester has a Tg of 130 to 150° C.

In one aspect, this invention relates to a baby bottle comprising atleast one polyester composition comprising at least one polyester whichcomprises:

(a) a dicarboxylic acid component comprising:

-   -   i) 70 to 100 mole % of terephthalic acid residues;    -   ii) 0 to 30 mole % of aromatic dicarboxylic acid residues having        up to 20 carbon atoms; and

iii) 0 to 10 mole % of aliphatic dicarboxylic acid residues having up to16 carbon atoms; and

(b) a glycol component comprising:

-   -   i) 40 to 65 mole % of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol        residues; and    -   ii) 35 to 60 mole % of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol residues,

wherein the total mole % of the dicarboxylic acid component is 100 mole%, and the total mole % of the glycol component is 100 mole %;

wherein the inherent viscosity of the polyester is from 0.35 to 1.2 dL/gas determined in 60/40 (wt/wt) phenol/tetrachloroethane at aconcentration of 0.5 g/100 ml at 25° C.; and

wherein the polyester has a Tg of 130 to 145° C.

In one aspect, this invention relates to a baby bottle comprising atleast one polyester composition comprising at least one polyester whichcomprises:

(a) a dicarboxylic acid component comprising:

-   -   i) 70 to 100 mole % of terephthalic acid residues;    -   ii) 0 to 30 mole % of aromatic dicarboxylic acid residues having        up to 20 carbon atoms; and    -   iii) 0 to 10 mole % of aliphatic dicarboxylic acid residues        having up to 16 carbon atoms; and

(b) a glycol component comprising:

-   -   i) 40 to 65 mole % of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol        residues; and    -   ii) 35 to 60 mole % of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol residues,

wherein the total mole % of the dicarboxylic acid component is 100 mole%, and the total mole % of the glycol component is 100 mole %;

wherein the inherent viscosity of the polyester is from 0.35 to 1.2 dL/gas determined in 60/40 (wt/wt) phenol/tetrachloroethane at aconcentration of 0.5 g/100 ml at 25° C.; and

wherein the polyester has a Tg of 120 to 135° C.

In one aspect, this invention relates to a baby bottle comprising atleast one polyester composition comprising at least one polyester whichcomprises:

(a) a dicarboxylic acid component comprising:

-   -   i) 70 to 100 mole % of terephthalic acid residues;    -   ii) 0 to 30 mole % of aromatic dicarboxylic acid residues having        up to 20 carbon atoms; and    -   iii) 0 to 10 mole % of aliphatic dicarboxylic acid residues        having up to 16 carbon atoms; and

(b) a glycol component comprising:

-   -   i) 40 to 65 mole % of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol        residues; and    -   ii) 35 to 60 mole % of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol residues,

wherein the total mole % of the dicarboxylic acid component is 100 mole%, and the total mole % of the glycol component is 100 mole %;

wherein the inherent viscosity of the polyester is from 0.35 to 0.75dL/g as determined in 60/40 (wt/wt) phenol/tetrachloroethane at aconcentration of 0.5 g/100 ml at 25° C.; and

wherein the polyester has a Tg of 110 to 150° C.

In one aspect, this invention relates to a baby bottle comprising atleast one polyester composition comprising at least one polyester whichcomprises:

(a) a dicarboxylic acid component comprising:

-   -   i) 70 to 100 mole % of terephthalic acid residues;    -   ii) 0 to 30 mole % of aromatic dicarboxylic acid residues having        up to 20 carbon atoms; and    -   iii) 0 to 10 mole % of aliphatic dicarboxylic acid residues        having up to 16 carbon atoms; and

(b) a glycol component comprising:

-   -   i) 40 to 65 mole % of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol        residues; and    -   ii) 35 to 60 mole % of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol residues,

wherein the total mole % of the dicarboxylic acid component is 100 mole%, and the total mole % of the glycol component is 100 mole %;

wherein the inherent viscosity of the polyester is from 0.35 to 0.75dL/g as determined in 60/40 (wt/wt) phenol/tetrachloroethane at aconcentration of 0.5 g/100 ml at 25° C.; and

wherein the polyester has a Tg of 120 to 150° C.

In one aspect, this invention relates to a baby bottle comprising atleast one polyester composition comprising at least one polyester whichcomprises:

(a) a dicarboxylic acid component comprising:

-   -   i) 70 to 100 mole % of terephthalic acid residues;    -   ii) 0 to 30 mole % of aromatic dicarboxylic acid residues having        up to 20 carbon atoms; and    -   iii) 0 to 10 mole % of aliphatic dicarboxylic acid residues        having up to 16 carbon atoms; and

(b) a glycol component comprising:

-   -   i) 40 to 65 mole % of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol        residues; and    -   ii) 35 to 60 mole % of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol residues,

wherein the total mole % of the dicarboxylic acid component is 100 mole%, and the total mole % of the glycol component is 100 mole %;

wherein the inherent viscosity of the polyester is from 0.35 to 0.75dL/g as determined in 60/40 (wt/wt) phenol/tetrachloroethane at aconcentration of 0.5 g/100 ml at 25° C.; and

wherein the polyester has a Tg of 130 to 150° C.

In one aspect, this invention relates to a baby bottle comprising atleast one polyester composition comprising at least one polyester whichcomprises:

(a) a dicarboxylic acid component comprising:

-   -   i) 70 to 100 mole % of terephthalic acid residues;    -   ii) 0 to 30 mole % of aromatic dicarboxylic acid residues having        up to 20 carbon atoms; and    -   iii) 0 to 10 mole % of aliphatic dicarboxylic acid residues        having up to 16 carbon atoms; and

(b) a glycol component comprising:

-   -   i) 40 to 65 mole % of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol        residues; and    -   ii) 35 to 60 mole % of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol residues,

wherein the total mole % of the dicarboxylic acid component is 100 mole%, and the total mole % of the glycol component is 100 mole %;

wherein the inherent viscosity of the polyester is from 0.35 to 0.75dL/g as determined in 60/40 (wt/wt) phenol/tetrachloroethane at aconcentration of 0.5 g/100 ml at 25° C.; and

wherein the polyester has a Tg of 130 to 145° C.

In one aspect, this invention relates to a baby bottle comprising atleast one polyester composition comprising at least one polyester whichcomprises:

(a) a dicarboxylic acid component comprising:

-   -   i) 70 to 100 mole % of terephthalic acid residues;    -   ii) 0 to 30 mole % of aromatic dicarboxylic acid residues having        up to 20 carbon atoms; and    -   iii) 0 to 10 mole % of aliphatic dicarboxylic acid residues        having up to 16 carbon atoms; and

(b) a glycol component comprising:

-   -   i) 40 to 65 mole % of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol        residues; and    -   ii) 35 to 60 mole % of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol residues,

wherein the total mole % of the dicarboxylic acid component is 100 mole%, and the total mole % of the glycol component is 100 mole %;

wherein the inherent viscosity of the polyester is from 0.35 to 0.75dL/g as determined in 60/40 (wt/wt) phenol/tetrachloroethane at aconcentration of 0.5 g/100 ml at 25° C.; and

wherein the polyester has a Tg of 120 to 135° C.

In one aspect, this invention relates to a baby bottle comprising atleast one polyester composition comprising at least one polyester whichcomprises:

(a) a dicarboxylic acid component comprising:

-   -   i) 70 to 100 mole % of terephthalic acid residues;    -   ii) 0 to 30 mole % of aromatic dicarboxylic acid residues having        up to 20 carbon atoms; and    -   iii) 0 to 10 mole % of aliphatic dicarboxylic acid residues        having up to 16 carbon atoms; and

(b) a glycol component comprising:

-   -   i) 40 to 65 mole % of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol        residues; and    -   ii) 35 to 60 mole % of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol residues,

wherein the total mole % of the dicarboxylic acid component is 100 mole%, and the total mole % of the glycol component is 100 mole %;

wherein the inherent viscosity of the polyester is from 0.5 to 0.8 dL/gas determined in 60/40 (wt/wt) phenol/tetrachloroethane at aconcentration of 0.5 g/100 ml at 25° C.; and

wherein the polyester has a Tg of 110 to 150° C.

In one aspect, this invention relates to a baby bottle comprising atleast one polyester composition comprising at least one polyester whichcomprises:

(a) a dicarboxylic acid component comprising:

-   -   i) 70 to 100 mole % of terephthalic acid residues;    -   ii) 0 to 30 mole % of aromatic dicarboxylic acid residues having        up to 20 carbon atoms; and    -   iii) 0 to 10 mole % of aliphatic dicarboxylic acid residues        having up to 16 carbon atoms; and

(b) a glycol component comprising:

-   -   i) 40 to 65 mole % of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol        residues; and    -   ii) 35 to 60 mole % of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol residues,

wherein the total mole % of the dicarboxylic acid component is 100 mole%, and the total mole % of the glycol component is 100 mole %;

wherein the inherent viscosity of the polyester is from 0.5 to 0.80 dL/gas determined in 60/40 (wt/wt) phenol/tetrachloroethane at aconcentration of 0.5 g/100 ml at 25° C.; and

wherein the polyester has a Tg of 120 to 150° C.

In one aspect, this invention relates to a baby bottle comprising atleast one polyester composition comprising at least one polyester whichcomprises:

(a) a dicarboxylic acid component comprising:

-   -   i) 70 to 100 mole % of terephthalic acid residues;    -   ii) 0 to 30 mole % of aromatic dicarboxylic acid residues having        up to 20 carbon atoms; and    -   iii) 0 to 10 mole % of aliphatic dicarboxylic acid residues        having up to 16 carbon atoms; and

(b) a glycol component comprising:

-   -   i) 40 to 65 mole % of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol        residues; and    -   ii) 35 to 60 mole % of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol residues,

wherein the total mole % of the dicarboxylic acid component is 100 mole%, and the total mole % of the glycol component is 100 mole %;

wherein the inherent viscosity of the polyester is from 0.5 to 0.8 dL/gas determined in 60/40 (wt/wt) phenol/tetrachloroethane at aconcentration of 0.5 g/100 ml at 25° C.; and

wherein the polyester has a Tg of 130 to 150° C.

In one aspect, this invention relates to a baby bottle comprising atleast one polyester composition comprising at least one polyester whichcomprises:

(a) a dicarboxylic acid component comprising:

-   -   i) 70 to 100 mole % of terephthalic acid residues;    -   ii) 0 to 30 mole % of aromatic dicarboxylic acid residues having        up to 20 carbon atoms; and    -   iii) 0 to 10 mole % of aliphatic dicarboxylic acid residues        having up to 16 carbon atoms; and

(b) a glycol component comprising:

-   -   i) 40 to 65 mole % of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol        residues; and    -   ii) 35 to 60 mole % of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol residues,

wherein the total mole % of the dicarboxylic acid component is 100 mole%, and the total mole % of the glycol component is 100 mole %;

wherein the inherent viscosity of the polyester is from 0.5 to 0.8 dL/gas determined in 60/40 (wt/wt) phenol/tetrachloroethane at aconcentration of 0.5 g/100 ml at 25° C.; and

wherein the polyester has a Tg of 130 to 145° C.

In one aspect, this invention relates to a baby bottle comprising atleast one polyester composition comprising at least one polyester whichcomprises:

(a) a dicarboxylic acid component comprising:

-   -   i) 70 to 100 mole % of terephthalic acid residues;    -   ii) 0 to 30 mole % of aromatic dicarboxylic acid residues having        up to 20 carbon atoms; and    -   iii) 0 to 10 mole % of aliphatic dicarboxylic acid residues        having up to 16 carbon atoms; and

(b) a glycol component comprising:

-   -   i) 40 to 65 mole % of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol        residues; and    -   ii) 35 to 60 mole % of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol residues,

wherein the total mole % of the dicarboxylic acid component is 100 mole%, and the total mole % of the glycol component is 100 mole %; and

wherein the inherent viscosity of the polyester is from 0.5 to 0.80 dL/gas determined in 60/40 (wt/wt) phenol/tetrachloroethane at aconcentration of 0.5 g/100 ml at 25° C.; and

wherein the polyester has a Tg of 120 to 135° C.

In one aspect, this invention relates to a baby bottle comprising atleast one polyester composition comprising at least one polyester whichcomprises:

(a) a dicarboxylic acid component comprising:

-   -   i) 70 to 100 mole % of terephthalic acid residues;    -   ii) 0 to 30 mole % of aromatic dicarboxylic acid residues having        up to 20 carbon atoms; and    -   iii) 0 to 10 mole % of aliphatic dicarboxylic acid residues        having up to 16 carbon atoms; and

(b) a glycol component comprising:

-   -   i) 40 to 65 mole % of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol        residues; and    -   ii) 35 to 60 mole % of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol residues,

wherein the total mole % of the dicarboxylic acid component is 100 mole%, and the total mole % of the glycol component is 100 mole %;

wherein the inherent viscosity of the polyester is from 0.6 to 0.80 dL/gas determined in 60/40 (wt/wt) phenol/tetrachloroethane at aconcentration of 0.5 g/100 ml at 25° C.; and

wherein the polyester has a Tg of 110 to 150° C.

In one aspect, this invention relates to a baby bottle comprising atleast one polyester composition comprising at least one polyester whichcomprises:

(a) a dicarboxylic acid component comprising:

-   -   i) 70 to 100 mole % of terephthalic acid residues;    -   ii) 0 to 30 mole % of aromatic dicarboxylic acid residues having        up to 20 carbon atoms; and    -   iii) 0 to 10 mole % of aliphatic dicarboxylic acid residues        having up to 16 carbon atoms; and

(b) a glycol component comprising:

-   -   i) 40 to 65 mole % of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol        residues; and    -   ii) 35 to 60 mole % of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol residues,

wherein the total mole % of the dicarboxylic acid component is 100 mole%, and the total mole % of the glycol component is 100 mole %;

wherein the inherent viscosity of the polyester is from 0.6 to 0.75 dL/gas determined in 60/40 (wt/wt) phenol/tetrachloroethane at aconcentration of 0.5 g/100 ml at 25° C.; and

wherein the polyester has a Tg of 120 to 150° C.

In one aspect, this invention relates to a baby bottle comprising atleast one polyester composition comprising at least one polyester whichcomprises:

(a) a dicarboxylic acid component comprising:

-   -   i) 70 to 100 mole % of terephthalic acid residues;    -   ii) 0 to 30 mole % of aromatic dicarboxylic acid residues having        up to 20 carbon atoms; and    -   iii) 0 to 10 mole % of aliphatic dicarboxylic acid residues        having up to 16 carbon atoms; and

(b) a glycol component comprising:

-   -   i) 40 to 65 mole % of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol        residues; and    -   ii) 35 to 60 mole % of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol residues,

wherein the total mole % of the dicarboxylic acid component is 100 mole%, and the total mole % of the glycol component is 100 mole %;

wherein the inherent viscosity of the polyester is from 0.6 to 0.75 dL/gas determined in 60/40 (wt/wt) phenol/tetrachloroethane at aconcentration of 0.5 g/100 ml at 25° C.; and

wherein the polyester has a Tg of 130 to 150° C.

In one aspect, this invention relates to a baby bottle comprising atleast one polyester composition comprising at least one polyester whichcomprises:

(a) a dicarboxylic acid component comprising:

-   -   i) 70 to 100 mole % of terephthalic acid residues;    -   ii) 0 to 30 mole % of aromatic dicarboxylic acid residues having        up to 20 carbon atoms; and    -   iii) 0 to 10 mole % of aliphatic dicarboxylic acid residues        having up to 16 carbon atoms; and

(b) a glycol component comprising:

-   -   i) 40 to 65 mole % of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol        residues; and    -   ii) 35 to 60 mole % of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol residues,

wherein the total mole % of the dicarboxylic acid component is 100 mole%, and the total mole % of the glycol component is 100 mole %;

wherein the inherent viscosity of the polyester is from 0.6 to 0.75 dL/gas determined in 60/40 (wt/wt) phenol/tetrachloroethane at aconcentration of 0.5 g/100 ml at 25° C.; and

wherein the polyester has a Tg of 130 to 145° C.

In one aspect, this invention relates to a baby bottle comprising atleast one polyester composition comprising at least one polyester whichcomprises:

(a) a dicarboxylic acid component comprising:

-   -   i) 70 to 100 mole % of terephthalic acid residues;    -   ii) 0 to 30 mole % of aromatic dicarboxylic acid residues having        up to 20 carbon atoms; and    -   iii) 0 to 10 mole % of aliphatic dicarboxylic acid residues        having up to 16 carbon atoms; and

(b) a glycol component comprising:

-   -   i) 40 to 65 mole % of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol        residues; and    -   ii) 35 to 60 mole % of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol residues,

wherein the total mole % of the dicarboxylic acid component is 100 mole%, and the total mole % of the glycol component is 100 mole %;

wherein the inherent viscosity of the polyester is from 0.6 to 0.75 dL/gas determined in 60/40 (wt/wt) phenol/tetrachloroethane at aconcentration of 0.5 g/100 ml at 25° C.; and

wherein the polyester has a Tg of 120 to 135° C.

In one aspect, this invention relates to a baby bottle comprising atleast one polyester composition comprising at least one polyester whichcomprises:

(a) a dicarboxylic acid component comprising:

-   -   i) 70 to 100 mole % of terephthalic acid residues;    -   ii) 0 to 30 mole % of aromatic dicarboxylic acid residues having        up to 20 carbon atoms; and    -   iii) 0 to 10 mole % of aliphatic dicarboxylic acid residues        having up to 16 carbon atoms; and

(b) a glycol component comprising:

-   -   i) 45 to 60 mole % of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol        residues; and    -   ii) 40 to 55 mole % of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol residues,

wherein the total mole % of the dicarboxylic acid component is 100 mole%, and the total mole % of the glycol component is 100 mole %;

wherein the inherent viscosity of the polyester is from 0.35 to 0.80dL/g as determined in 60/40 (wt/wt) phenol/tetrachloroethane at aconcentration of 0.5 g/100 ml at 25° C.; and

wherein the polyester has a Tg of 110 to 150° C.

In one aspect, this invention relates to a baby bottle comprising atleast one polyester composition comprising at least one polyester whichcomprises:

(a) a dicarboxylic acid component comprising:

-   -   i) 70 to 100 mole % of terephthalic acid residues;    -   ii) 0 to 30 mole % of aromatic dicarboxylic acid residues having        up to 20 carbon atoms; and    -   iii) 0 to 10 mole % of aliphatic dicarboxylic acid residues        having up to 16 carbon atoms; and

(b) a glycol component comprising:

-   -   i) 45 to 60 mole % of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol        residues; and    -   ii) 40 to 55 mole % of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol residues,

wherein the total mole % of the dicarboxylic acid component is 100 mole%, and the total mole % of the glycol component is 100 mole %;

wherein the inherent viscosity of the polyester is from 0.35 to 0.80dL/g as determined in 60/40 (wt/wt) phenol/tetrachloroethane at aconcentration of 0.5 g/100 ml at 25° C.; and

wherein the polyester has a Tg of 120 to 150° C.

In one aspect, this invention relates to a baby bottle comprising atleast one polyester composition comprising at least one polyester whichcomprises:

(a) a dicarboxylic acid component comprising:

-   -   i) 70 to 100 mole % of terephthalic acid residues;    -   ii) 0 to 30 mole % of aromatic dicarboxylic acid residues having        up to 20 carbon atoms; and    -   iii) 0 to 10 mole % of aliphatic dicarboxylic acid residues        having up to 16 carbon atoms; and

(b) a glycol component comprising:

-   -   i) 45 to 60 mole % of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol        residues; and    -   ii) 40 to 55 mole % of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol residues,

wherein the total mole % of the dicarboxylic acid component is 100 mole%, and the total mole % of the glycol component is 100 mole %;

wherein the inherent viscosity of the polyester is from 0.35 to 0.75dL/g as determined in 60/40 (wt/wt) phenol/tetrachloroethane at aconcentration of 0.5 g/100 ml at 25° C.; and

wherein the polyester has a Tg of 130 to 150° C.

In one aspect, this invention relates to a baby bottle comprising atleast one polyester composition comprising at least one polyester whichcomprises:

(a) a dicarboxylic acid component comprising:

-   -   i) 70 to 100 mole % of terephthalic acid residues;    -   ii) 0 to 30 mole % of aromatic dicarboxylic acid residues having        up to 20 carbon atoms; and    -   iii) 0 to 10 mole % of aliphatic dicarboxylic acid residues        having up to 16 carbon atoms; and

(b) a glycol component comprising:

-   -   i) 45 to 60 mole % of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol        residues; and    -   ii) 40 to 55 mole % of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol residues,

wherein the total mole % of the dicarboxylic acid component is 100 mole%, and the total mole % of the glycol component is 100 mole %;

wherein the inherent viscosity of the polyester is from 0.35 to 0.75dL/g as determined in 60/40 (wt/wt) phenol/tetrachloroethane at aconcentration of 0.5 g/100 ml at 25° C.; and

wherein the polyester has a Tg of 130 to 145° C.

In one aspect, this invention relates to a baby bottle comprising atleast one polyester composition comprising at least one polyester whichcomprises:

(a) a dicarboxylic acid component comprising:

-   -   i) 70 to 100 mole % of terephthalic acid residues;    -   ii) 0 to 30 mole % of aromatic dicarboxylic acid residues having        up to 20 carbon atoms; and    -   iii) 0 to 10 mole % of aliphatic dicarboxylic acid residues        having up to 16 carbon atoms; and

(b) a glycol component comprising:

-   -   i) 45 to 60-mole % of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol        residues; and    -   ii) 40 to 55 mole % of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol residues,

wherein the total mole % of the dicarboxylic acid component is 100 mole%, and the total mole % of the glycol component is 100 mole %;

wherein the inherent viscosity of the polyester is from 0.35 to 0.75dL/g as determined in 60/40 (wt/wt) phenol/tetrachloroethane at aconcentration of 0.5 g/100 ml at 25° C.; and

wherein the polyester has a Tg of 120 to 135° C.

In one aspect, this invention relates to a baby bottle comprising atleast one polyester composition comprising at least one polyester whichcomprises:

(a) a dicarboxylic acid component comprising:

-   -   i) 70 to 100 mole % of terephthalic acid residues;    -   ii) 0 to 30 mole % of aromatic dicarboxylic acid residues having        up to 20 carbon atoms; and    -   iii) 0 to 10 mole % of aliphatic dicarboxylic acid residues        having up to 16 carbon atoms; and

(b) a glycol component comprising:

-   -   i) 45 to 60 mole % of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol        residues; and    -   ii) 40 to 55 mole % of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol residues,

wherein the total mole % of the dicarboxylic acid component is 100 mole%, and the total mole % of the glycol component is 100 mole %;

wherein the inherent viscosity of the polyester is from 0.60 to 0.72dL/g as determined in 60/40 (wt/wt) phenol/tetrachloroethane at aconcentration of 0.5 g/100 ml at 25° C.; and

wherein the polyester has a Tg of 110 to 150° C.

In one aspect, this invention relates to a baby bottle comprising atleast one polyester composition comprising at least one polyester whichcomprises:

(a) a dicarboxylic acid component comprising:

-   -   i) 70 to 100 mole % of terephthalic acid residues;    -   ii) 0 to 30 mole % of aromatic dicarboxylic acid residues having        up to 20 carbon atoms; and    -   iii) 0 to 10 mole % of aliphatic dicarboxylic acid residues        having up to 16 carbon atoms; and

(b) a glycol component comprising:

-   -   i) 20 to 99 mole % of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol        residues; and    -   ii) 1 to 80 mole % of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol residues,

wherein the total mole % of the dicarboxylic acid component is 100 mole%, and the total mole % of the glycol component is 100 mole %;

wherein the inherent viscosity of the polyester is from 0.35 to 1.2 dL/gas determined in 60/40 (wt/wt) phenol/tetrachloroethane at aconcentration of 0.5 g/100 ml at 25° C.; and

wherein the polyester has a Tg of greater than 148° C. to 200° C.

In one aspect, this invention relates to a baby bottle comprising atleast one polyester composition comprising at least one polyester whichcomprises:

(a) a dicarboxylic acid component comprising:

-   -   i) 70 to 100 mole % of terephthalic acid residues;    -   ii) 0 to 30 mole % of aromatic dicarboxylic acid residues having        up to 20 carbon atoms; and    -   iii) 0 to 10 mole % of aliphatic dicarboxylic acid residues        having up to 16 carbon atoms; and

(b) a glycol component comprising:

-   -   i) 20 to 99 mole % of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol        residues; and    -   ii) 1 to 80 mole % of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol residues,        wherein the total mole % of the dicarboxylic acid component is        100 mole %, and        the total mole % of the glycol component is 100 mole %; and

wherein the inherent viscosity of the polyester is from 0.35 to 1.2 dL/gas determined in 60/40 (wt/wt) phenol/tetrachloroethane at aconcentration of 0.5 g/100 ml at 25° C.; and

wherein the polyester has a Tg of 127° C. to 200° C.

In one aspect, this invention relates to a baby bottle comprising atleast one polyester composition comprising at least one polyester whichcomprises:

(a) a dicarboxylic acid component comprising:

-   -   i) 70 to 100 mole % of terephthalic acid residues;    -   ii) 0 to 30 mole % of aromatic dicarboxylic acid residues having        up to 20 carbon atoms; and    -   iii) 0 to 10 mole % of aliphatic dicarboxylic acid residues        having up to 16 carbon atoms; and

(b) a glycol component comprising:

-   -   i) 20 to 80 mole % of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol        residues; and    -   ii) 20 to 80 mole % of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol residues,

wherein the total mole % of the dicarboxylic acid component is 100 mole%, and

the total mole % of the glycol component is 100 mole %;

wherein the inherent viscosity of the polyester is from 0.35 to 1.2 dL/gas determined in 60/40 (wt/wt) phenol/tetrachloroethane at aconcentration of 0.5 g/100 ml at 25° C.; and

wherein the polyester has a Tg of 127° C. to 200° C.

In one aspect, this invention relates to a baby bottle comprising atleast one polyester composition comprising at least one polyester whichcomprises:

(a) a dicarboxylic acid component comprising:

-   -   i) 70 to 100 mole % of terephthalic acid residues;    -   ii) 0 to 30 mole % of aromatic dicarboxylic acid residues having        up to 20 carbon atoms; and    -   iii) 0 to 10 mole % of aliphatic dicarboxylic acid residues        having up to 16 carbon atoms; and

(b) a glycol component comprising:

-   -   i) greater than 50 to 99 mole % of        2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol residues; and    -   ii) 1 to less than 50 mole % of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol        residues,

wherein the total mole % of the dicarboxylic acid component is 100 mole%, and

the total mole % of the glycol component is 100 mole %;

wherein the inherent viscosity of the polyester is from 0.35 to 0.75dL/g as determined in 60/40 (wt/wt) phenol/tetrachloroethane at aconcentration of 0.5 g/100 ml at 25° C.; and

wherein the polyester has a Tg of 110° C. to 200° C.

In one aspect, this invention relates to a baby bottle comprising atleast one polyester composition comprising at least one polyester whichcomprises:

(a) a dicarboxylic acid component comprising:

-   -   i) 70 to 100 mole % of terephthalic acid residues;    -   ii) 0 to 23 mole % of aromatic dicarboxylic acid residues having        up to 20 carbon atoms; and    -   iii) 0 to 10 mole % of aliphatic dicarboxylic acid residues        having up to 16 carbon atoms; and

(b) a glycol component comprising:

-   -   i) 20 to 99 mole % of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol        residues; and    -   ii) 1 to 80 mole % of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol residues,

wherein the total mole % of the dicarboxylic acid component is 100 mole%, and

the total mole % of the glycol component is 100 mole %;

wherein the inherent viscosity of the polyester is greater than 0.76 to1.2 dL/g as determined in 60/40 (wt/wt) phenol/tetrachloroethane at aconcentration of 0.5 g/100 ml at 25° C.; and

In one aspect, the polyester compositions useful in the baby bottles ofthe invention contain polycarbonate.

In one aspect, the polyester compositions useful in the baby bottles ofthe invention contain no polycarbonate.

In one aspect, the polyesters useful in the baby bottles of theinvention contain from 0.01 to less than 15 mole % ethylene glycolresidues.

In one aspect, the polyesters useful in the baby bottles of theinvention contain no ethylene glycol residues.

In one aspect the polyester compositions useful in the baby bottles ofthe invention contain at least one thermal stabilizer and/or reactionproducts thereof.

In one aspect of the invention, the mole % ofcis-2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol useful in certain polyestersuseful in the baby bottles of the invention is greater than 50 mole % orgreater than 55 mole % of cis-2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol orgreater than 70 mole % of cis-2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol;wherein the total mole percentage ofcis-2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol andtrans-2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol is equal to a total of 100mole %.

In one aspect of the invention, the mole % of the isomers of2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol useful in certain polyestersuseful in the baby bottles of the invention is from 30 to 70 mole % ofcis-2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol or from 30 to 70 mole % oftrans-2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol, or from 40 to 60 mole %of cis-2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol or from 40 to 60 mole %of trans-2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol, wherein the total molepercentage of cis-2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol andtrans-2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol is equal to a total of 100mole %.

In one aspect, the polyesters useful in the baby bottles of theinvention contain no branching agent, or alternatively, at least onebranching agent is added either prior to or during polymerization of thepolyester.

In one aspect, the polyesters useful in the baby bottles of theinvention contain at least one branching agent without regard to themethod or sequence in which it is added.

In one aspect, the polyesters useful in the baby bottles of theinvention are made from no 1,3-propanediol, or, 1,4-butanediol, eithersingly or in combination. In other aspects, 1,3-propanediol or1,4-butanediol, either singly or in combination, may be used in themaking of the polyesters of this invention.

Also, in one aspect, use of these particular polyester compositionsminimize and/or eliminates the drying step prior to melt processingand/or thermoforming.

In one aspect, the polyesters useful in the baby bottles of theinvention may be amorphous or semicrystalline. In one aspect, certainpolyesters useful in the invention can have a relatively lowcrystallinity. Certain polyesters useful in the baby bottles of theinvention can thus have a substantially amorphous morphology, meaningthat the polyesters comprise substantially unordered regions of polymer.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a graph showing the effect of comonomer on the fastestcrystallization half-times of modified PCT copolyesters.

FIG. 2 is a graph showing the effect of comonomer on thebrittle-to-ductile transition temperature (Tbd) in a notched Izod test(ASTM D256, ⅛-in thick, 10-mil notch).

FIG. 3 is a graph showing the effect of2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol composition on the glasstransition temperature (Tg) of the copolyester.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention may be understood more readily by reference to thefollowing detailed description of embodiments of the invention and theworking examples. In accordance with the purpose(s) of this invention,certain embodiments of the invention are described in the Summary of theInvention and are further described herein below. Also, otherembodiments of the invention are described herein.

The term “bottle” as used herein is understood to mean a receptaclecontaining plastic which is capable of storing or holding liquid. Thebottles of the invention can be used for administering liquids to humanbeings who are fed by bottles, for example, babies.

It is believed that the polyester(s) and/or polyester composition(s)which are included in the baby bottles of the invention described hereincan have a unique combination of two or more physical properties such ashigh impact strength, moderate or high glass transition temperatures,chemical resistance, hydrolytic stability, toughness, lowductile-to-brittle transition temperatures, good color and clarity, lowdensities, long crystallization half-times, and good processabilitythereby easily permitting them to be formed into articles. In some ofthe embodiments of the invention, the polyesters have a uniquecombination of the properties of good impact strength, heat resistance,chemical resistance, density and/or the combination of the properties ofgood impact strength, heat resistance, and processability and/or thecombination of two or more of the described properties, that have neverbefore been believed to be present in baby bottles comprising thepolyester compositions which comprise the polyester(s) as disclosedherein.

It is believed that polyesters and/or polyester composition(s) which areincluded in the baby bottles of the invention can have a uniquecombination of two or more physical properties such as moderate or highimpact strengths, high glass transition temperatures, chemicalresistance, hydrolytic stability, toughness, low ductile-to-brittletransition temperatures, good color and clarity, low densities, and longcrystallization half-times, and good processability thereby easilypermitting them to be formed into articles. In some of the embodimentsof the invention, the polyesters have a unique combination of theproperties of good impact strength, heat resistance, chemicalresistance, density and/or the combination of the properties of goodimpact strength, heat resistance, and processability and/or thecombination of two or more of the described properties, that have neverbefore been believed to be present in baby bottles comprising thepolyester compositions which comprise the polyester(s) as disclosedherein.

The term “polyester”, as used herein, is intended to include“copolyesters” and is understood to mean a synthetic polymer prepared bythe reaction of one or more difunctional carboxylic acids and/ormultifunctional carboxylic acids with one or more difunctional hydroxylcompounds and/or multifunctional hydroxyl compounds. Typically thedifunctional carboxylic acid can be a dicarboxylic acid and thedifunctional hydroxyl compound can be a dihydric alcohol such as, forexample, glycols and diols. The term: “glycol” as used herein includes,but is not limited to, diols, glycols, and/or multifunctional hydroxylcompounds, for example, branching agents Alternatively, the difunctionalcarboxylic acid may be a hydroxy carboxylic acid such as, for example,p-hydroxybenzoic acid, and the difunctional hydroxyl compound may be anaromatic nucleus bearing 2 hydroxyl substituents such as, for example,hydroquinone. The term “residue”, as used herein, means any organicstructure incorporated into a polymer through a polycondensation and/oran esterification reaction from the corresponding monomer. The term“repeating unit”, as used herein, means an organic structure having adicarboxylic acid residue and a diol residue bonded through acarbonyloxy group. Thus, for example, the dicarboxylic acid residues maybe derived from a dicarboxylic acid monomer or its associated acidhalides, esters, salts, anhydrides, or mixtures thereof. Furthermore, asused herein, the term “diacid” includes multifunctional acids, forexample, branching agents. As used herein, therefore, the term“dicarboxylic acid” is intended to include dicarboxylic acids and anyderivative of a dicarboxylic acid, including its associated acidhalides, esters, half-esters, salts, half-salts, anhydrides, mixedanhydrides, or mixtures thereof, useful in a reaction process with adiol to make polyester. As used herein, the term “terephthalic acid” isintended to include terephthalic acid itself and residues thereof aswell as any derivative of terephthalic acid, including its associatedacid halides, esters, half-esters, salts, half-salts, anhydrides, mixedanhydrides, or mixtures thereof or residues thereof useful in a reactionprocess with a diol to make polyester.

In one embodiment, terephthalic acid may be used as the startingmaterial. In another embodiment, dimethyl terephthalate may be used asthe starting material. In yet another embodiment, mixtures ofterephthalic acid and dimethyl terephthalate may be used as the startingmaterial and/or as an intermediate material.

The polyesters used in the baby bottles of the present inventiontypically can be prepared from dicarboxylic acids and diols which reactin substantially equal proportions and are incorporated into thepolyester polymer as their corresponding residues. The polyesters of thebaby bottles of the present invention, therefore, can containsubstantially equal molar proportions of acid residues (100 mole %) anddiol (and/or multifunctional hydroxyl compound) residues (100 mole %)such that the total moles of repeating units is equal to 100 mole %. Themole percentages provided in the present disclosure, therefore, may bebased on the total moles of acid residues, the total moles of diolresidues, or the total moles of repeating units. For example, apolyester containing 30 mole % isophthalic acid, based on the total acidresidues, means the polyester contains 30 mole % isophthalic acidresidues out of a total of 100 mole % acid residues. Thus, there are 30moles of isophthalic acid residues among every 100 moles of acidresidues. In another example, a polyester containing 30 mole %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol, based on the total diolresidues, means the polyester contains 30 mole %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol residues out of a total of 100mole % diol residues. Thus, there are 30 moles of2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol residues among every 100 molesof diol residues.

In other aspects of the invention, the Tg of the polyesters useful inthe baby bottles of the invention can be at least one of the followingranges: 60 to 200° C.; 60 to 190° C.; 60 to 180° C.; 60 to 170° C.; 60to 160° C.; 60 to 155° C.; 60 to 150° C.; 60 to 145° C.; 60 to 140° C.;60 to 138° C.; 60 to 135° C.; 60 to 130° C.; 60 to 125° C.; 60 to 120°C.; 60 to 115° C.; 60 to 110° C.; 60 to 105° C.; 60 to 100° C.; 60 to95° C.; 60 to 90° C.; 60 to 85° C.; 60 to 80° C.; 60 to 75° C.; 65 to200° C.; 65 to 190° C.; 65 to 180° C.; 65 to 170° C.; 65 to 160° C.; 65to 155° C.; 65 to 150° C.; 65 to 145° C.; 65 to 140° C.; 65 to 138° C.;65 to 135° C.; 65 to 130° C.; 65 to 125° C.; 65 to 120° C.; 65 to 115°C.; 65 to 110° C.; 65 to 105° C.; 65 to 100° C.; 65 to 95° C.; 65 to 90°C.; 65 to 85° C.; 65 to 80° C.; 65 to 75° C.; 70 to 200° C.; 70 to 190°C.; 70 to 180° C.; 70 to 170° C.; 70 to 160° C.; 70 to 155° C.; 70 to150° C.; 70 to 145° C.; 70 to 140° C.; 70 to 138° C.; 70 to 135° C.; 70to 130° C.; 70 to 125° C.; 70 to 120° C.; 70 to 115° C.; 70 to 110° C.;70 to 105° C.; 70 to 100° C.; 70 to 95° C.; 70 to 90° C.; 70 to 85° C.;70 to 80° C.; 70 to 75° C.; 75 to 200° C.; 75 to 190° C.; 75 to 180° C.;75 to 170° C.; 75 to 160° C.; 75 to 155° C.; 75 to 150° C.; 75 to 145°C.; 75 to 140° C.; 75 to 138° C.; 75 to 135° C.; 75 to 130° C.; 75 to125° C.; 75 to 120° C.; 75 to 115° C.; 75 to 110° C.; 75 to 105° C.; 75to 100° C.; 75 to 95° C.; 75 to 90° C.; 75 to 85° C.; 75 to 80° C.; 80to 200° C.; 80 to 190° C.; 80 to 180° C.; 80 to 170° C.; 80 to 160° C.;80 to 155° C.; 80 to 150° C.; 80 to 145° C.; 80 to 140° C.; 80 to 138°C.; 80 to 135° C.; 80 to 130° C.; 80 to 125° C.; 80 to 120° C.; 80 to115° C.; 80 to 110° C.; 80 to 105° C.; 80 to 100° C.; 80 to 95° C.; 80to 90° C.; 80 to 85° C.; 85 to 200° C.; 85 to 190° C.; 85 to 180° C.; 85to 170° C.; 85 to 160° C.; 85 to 155° C.; 85 to 150° C.; 85 to 145° C.;85 to 140° C.; 85 to 138° C.; 85 to 135° C.; 85 to 130° C.; 85 to 125°C.; 85 to 120° C.; 85 to 115° C.; 85 to 110° C.; 85 to 105° C.; 85 to100° C.; 85 to 95° C.; 85 to 90° C.; 90 to 200° C.; 90 to 190° C.; 90 to180° C.; 90 to 170° C.; 90 to 160° C.; 90 to 155° C.; 90 to 150° C.; 90to 145° C.; 90 to 140° C.; 90 to 138° C.; 90 to 135° C.; 90 to 130° C.;90 to 125° C.; 90 to 120° C.; 90 to 115° C.; 90 to 110° C.; 90 to 105°C.; 90 to 100° C.; 90 to 95° C.; 95 to 200° C.; 95 to 190° C.; 95 to180° C.; 95 to 170° C.; 95 to 160° C.; 95 to 155° C.; 95 to 150° C.; 95to 145° C.; 95 to 140° C.; 95 to 138° C.; 95 to 135° C.; 95 to 130° C.;95 to 125° C.; 95 to 120° C.; 95 to 115° C.; 95 to 110° C.; 95 to 105°C.; 95 to 100° C.; 100 to 200° C.; 100 to 190° C.; 100 to 180° C.; 100to 170° C.; 100 to 160° C.; 100 to 155° C.; 100 to 150° C.; 100 to 145°C.; 100 to 140° C.; 100 to 138° C.; 100 to 135° C.; 100 to 130° C.; 100to 125° C.; 100 to 120° C.; 100 to 115° C.; 100 to 110° C.; 105 to 200°C.; 105 to 190° C.; 105 to 180° C.; 105 to 170° C.; 105 to 160° C.; 105to 155° C.; 105 to 150° C.; 105 to 145° C.; 105 to 140° C.; 105 to 138°C.; 105 to 135° C.; 105 to 130° C.; 105 to 125° C.; 105 to 120° C.; 105to 115° C.; 105 to 110° C.; 110 to 200° C.; 110 to 190° C.; 110 to 180°C.; 110 to 170° C.; 110 to 160° C.; 110 to 155° C.; 110 to 150° C.; 110to 145° C.; 110 to 140° C.; 110 to 138° C.; 110 to 135° C.; 110 to 130°C.; 110 to 125° C.; 110 to 120° C.; 110 to 115° C.; 115 to 200° C.; 115to 190° C.; 115 to 180° C.; 115 to 170° C.; 115 to 160° C.; 115 to 155°C.; 115 to 150° C.; 115 to 145° C.; 115 to 140° C.; 115 to 138° C.; 115to 135° C.; 110 to 130° C.; 115 to 125° C.; 115 to 120° C.; 120 to 200°C.; 120 to 190° C.; 120 to 180° C.; 120 to 170° C.; 120 to 160° C.; 120to 155° C.; 120 to 150° C.; 120 to 145° C.; 120 to 140° C.; 120 to 138°C.; 120 to 135° C.; 120 to 130° C.; 125 to 200° C.; 125 to 190° C.; 125to 180° C.; 125 to 170° C.; 125 to 165° C.; 125 to 160° C.; 125 to 155°C.; 125 to 150° C.; 125 to 145° C.; 125 to 140° C.; 125 to 138° C.; 125to 135° C.; 127 to 200° C.; 127 to 190° C.; 127 to 180° C.; 127 to 170°C.; 127 to 160° C.; 127 to 150° C.; 127 to 145° C.; 127 to 140° C.; 127to 138° C.; 127 to 135° C.; 130 to 200° C.; 130 to 190° C.; 130 to 180°C.; 130 to 170° C.; 130 to 160° C.; 130 to 155° C.; 130 to 150° C.; 130to 145° C.; 130 to 140° C.; 130 to 138° C.; 130 to 135° C.; 135 to 200°C.; 135 to 190° C.; 135 to 180° C.; 135 to 170° C.; 135 to 160° C.; 135to 155° C.; 135 to 150° C.; 135 to 145° C.; 135 to 140° C.; 140 to 200°C.; 140 to 190° C.; 140 to 180° C.; 140 to 170° C.; 140 to 160° C.; 140to 155° C.; 140 to 150° C.; 140 to 145° C.; 148 to 200° C.; 148 to 190°C.; 148 to 180° C.; 148 to 170° C.; 148 to 160° C.; 148 to 155° C.; 148to 150° C.; greater than 148 to 200° C.; greater than 148 to 190° C.;greater than 148 to 180° C.; greater than 148 to 170° C.; greater than148 to 160° C.; greater than 148 to 155° C.; 150 to 200° C.; 150 to 190°C.; 150 to 180° C.; 150 to 170° C.; 150 to 160; 155 to 190° C.; 155 to180° C.; 155 to 170° C.; and 155 to 165° C.

In other aspects of the invention, the glycol component for thepolyesters useful in the baby bottles of the invention include but arenot limited to at least one of the following combinations of ranges: 1to 99 mole % 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 1 to 99 mole %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 1 to 95 mole %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 5 to 99 mole %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 1 to 90 mole %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 10 to 99 mole %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 1 to 85 mole %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 15 to 99 mole %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 1 to 80 mole %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 20 to 99 mole %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol, 1 to 75 mole %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 25 to 99 mole %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 1 to 70 mole %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 30 to 99 mole %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 1 to 65 mole %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 35 to 99 mole %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 1 to 60 mole %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 40 to 99 mole %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 1 to 55 mole %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 45 to 99 mole %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 1 to 50 mole %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 50 to 99 mole %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 1 to 45 mole %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 55 to 99 mole %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 1 to 40 mole %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 60 to 99 mole %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 1 to 35 mole %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 65 to 99 mole %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 1 to 30 mole %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 70 to 99 mole %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 1 to 25 mole %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 75 to 99 mole %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 1 to 20 mole %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 80 to 99 mole %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 1 to 15 mole %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 85 to 99 mole %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 1 to 10 mole %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 90 to 99 mole %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; and 1 to 5 mole %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 95 to 99 mole %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol.

In other aspects of the invention, the glycol component for thepolyesters useful in the baby bottles of the invention include but arenot limited to at least one of the following combinations of ranges:0.01 to 15 mole % 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 85 to99.99 mole % 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 0.01 to less than 15 mole %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and greater than 85 to 99.99mole % 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 0.01 to 10 mole %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 90 to 99.99 mole %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 0.01 to less than 10 mole %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and greater than 90 to 99.99mole % 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 0.01 to 9 mole %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 91 to 99.99 mole %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 0.01 to 8 mole %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 92 to 99.99 mole %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 0.01 to 7 mole %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 93 to 99.99 mole %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 0.01 to 6 mole %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 94 to 99.99 mole %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 0.01 to 5 mole %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 95 to 99.99 mole %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 0.01 to less than 5 mole %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and greater than 95 to 99.99mole % 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 0.01 to 4.5 mole %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 95.5 to 99.99 mole %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 0.01 to 4 mole %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 96 to 99.99 mole %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 0.01 to 3.5 mole %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 96.5 to 99.99 mole %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 0.01 to 3 mole %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 97 to 99.99 mole %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 0.01 to 2.5 mole %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 97.5 to 99.99 mole %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 0.01 to 2 mole %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 98 to 99.99 mole %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 0.01 to 1.5 mole %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 98.5 to 99.99 mole %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 0.01 to 1 mole %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 99 to 99.99 mole %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; and 0.01 to 0.5 mole %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 99.5 to 99.99 mole %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol.

In other aspects of the invention, the glycol component for thepolyesters useful in the baby bottles of the invention include but arenot limited to at least one of the following combinations of ranges: 3to 10 mole % 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 90 to 97 mole %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 3 to 9 mole %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 91 to 97 mole %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; and 3 to 8 mole %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 92 to 97 mole %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol.

In other aspects of the invention, the glycol component for thepolyesters useful in the baby bottles of the invention include but arenot limited to at least one of the following combinations of ranges: 5to 99 mole % 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 1 to 95 mole %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 5 to 95 mole %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 5 to 95 mole %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 5 to 90 mole %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 10 to 95 mole %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 5 to 85 mole %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 15 to 95 mole %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 5 to 80 mole %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 20 to 95 mole %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol, 5 to 75 mole %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 25 to 95 mole %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 5 to 70 mole %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 30 to 95 mole %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 5 to 65 mole %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 35 to 95 mole %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 5 to 60 mole %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 40 to 95 mole %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 5 to 55 mole %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 45 to 95 mole %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; and 5 to 50 mole %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 50 to 95 mole %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol.

In other aspects of the invention, the glycol component for thepolyesters useful in the baby bottles of the invention include but arenot limited to at least one of the following combinations of ranges: 5to less than 50 mole % 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol andgreater than 50 to 95 mole % 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 5 to 45 mole %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 55 to 95 mole %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 5 to 40 mole %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 60 to 95 mole %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 5 to 35 mole %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 65 to 95 mole %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 5 to less than 35 mole %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and greater than 65 to 95 mole %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 5 to 30 mole %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 70 to 95 mole %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 5 to 25 mole %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 75 to 95 mole %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 5 to 20 mole %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 80 to 95 mole %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 5 to 15 mole %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 85 to 95 mole %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 5 to 10 mole %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 90 to 95 mole %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; greater than 5 to less than 10 mole %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and less than 90 to greater than95 mole % 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 5.5 mole % to 9.5 mole %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 94.5 mole % to 90.5 mole %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; and 6 to 9 mole %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 94 to 91 mole %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol.

In other aspects of the invention, the glycol component for thepolyesters useful in the baby bottles of the invention include but arenot limited to at least one of the following combinations of ranges: 10to 99 mole % 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 1 to 90 mole %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 10 to 95 mole %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 5 to 90 mole %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 10 to 90 mole %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 10 to 90 mole %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 10 to 85 mole %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 15 to 90 mole %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 10 to 80 mole %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 20 to 90 mole %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 10 to 75 mole %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 25 to 90 mole %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 10 to 70 mole %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 30 to 90 mole %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 10 to 65 mole %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 35 to 90 mole %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 10 to 60 mole %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 40 to 90 mole %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 10 to 55 mole %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 45 to 90 mole %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 10 to 50 mole %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 50 to 90 mole %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 10 to less than 50 mole %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and greater than 50 to 90 mole %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 10 to 45 mole %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 55 to 90 mole %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 10 to 40 mole %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 60 to 90 mole %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 10 to 35 mole %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 65 to 90 mole %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 10 to less than 35 mole %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and greater than 65 to 90%1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 10 to 30 mole %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 70 to 90 mole %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 10 to 25 mole %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 75 to 90 mole %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 10 to 20 mole %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 80 to 90 mole %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; and 10 to 15 mole %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 85 to 90 mole %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol.

In other aspects of the invention, the glycol component for thepolyesters useful in the baby bottles of the invention include but arenot limited to at least one of the following combinations of ranges: 15to 99 mole % 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 1 to 85 mole %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 15 to 95 mole %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 5 to 85 mole %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 15 to 90 mole %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 10 to 85 mole %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 15 to 85 mole %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 15 to 85 mole %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 15 to 80 mole %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 20 to 85 mole %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 15 to 75 mole %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 25 to 85 mole %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 15 to 70 mole %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 30 to 85 mole %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 15 to 65 mole %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 35 to 85 mole %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 15 to 60 mole %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 40 to 85 mole %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 15 to 55 mole %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 45 to 85 mole %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 15 to 50 mole %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 50 to 85 mole %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 15 to less than 50 mole %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and greater than 50 to 85 mole %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 15 to 45 mole %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 55 to 85 mole %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 15 to 40 mole %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 60 to 85 mole %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 15 to 35 mole %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 65 to 85 mole %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 15 to 30 mole %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 70 to 85 mole %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 15 to 25 mole %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 75 to 85 mole %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; and 15 to 24 mole %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 76 to 85 mole %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol.

In other aspects of the invention, the glycol component for thepolyesters useful in the baby bottles of the invention include but arenot limited to at least one of the following combinations of ranges: 20to 99 mole % 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 1 to 80 mole %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 20 to 95 mole %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 5 to 80 mole %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 20 to 90 mole %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 10 to 80 mole %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 20 to 85 mole %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 15 to 80 mole %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 20 to 80 mole %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 20 to 80 mole %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 20 to 75 mole %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 25 to 80 mole %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 20 to 70 mole %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 30 to 80 mole %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 20 to 65 mole %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 35 to 80 mole %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 20 to 60 mole %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 40 to 80 mole %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 20 to 55 mole %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 45 to 80 mole %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 20 to 50 mole %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 50 to 80 mole %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 20 to less than 50 mole %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and greater than 50 to 80 mole %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 20 to 45 mole %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 55 to 80 mole %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 20 to 40 mole %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 60 to 80 mole %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 20 to 35 mole %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 65 to 80 mole %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 20 to 30 mole %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 70 to 80 mole %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; and 20 to 25 mole %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 75 to 80 mole %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol.

In other aspects of the invention, the glycol component for thepolyesters useful in the baby bottles of the invention include but arenot limited to at least one of the following combinations of ranges: 25to 99 mole % 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 1 to 75 mole %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 25 to 95 mole %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 5 to 75 mole %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 25 to 90 mole %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 10 to 75 mole %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 25 to 85 mole %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 15 to 75 mole %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 25 to 80 mole %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 20 to 75 mole %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 25 to 75 mole %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 25 to 75 mole %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 25 to 70 mole %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 30 to 75 mole %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 25 to 65 mole %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 35 to 75 mole %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 25 to 60 mole %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 40 to 75 mole %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 25 to 55 mole %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 45 to 75 mole %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 25 to 50 mole %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 50 to 75 mole %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 25 to less than 50 mole %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and greater than 50 to 75 mole %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 25 to 45 mole %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 55 to 75 mole %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 25 to 40 mole %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 60 to 75 mole %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 25 to 35 mole %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 65 to 75 mole %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; and 25 to 30 mole %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 70 to 75 mole %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol.

In other aspects of the invention, the glycol component for thepolyesters useful in the baby bottles of the invention include but arenot limited to at least one of the following combinations of ranges: 30to 99 mole % 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 1 to 70 mole %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 30 to 95 mole %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 5 to 70 mole %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 30 to 90 mole %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 10 to 70 mole %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 30 to 85 mole %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 15 to 70 mole %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 30 to 80 mole %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 20 to 70 mole %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 30 to 75 mole %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 25 to 70 mole %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 30 to 70 mole %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 30 to 70 mole %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 30 to 65 mole %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 35 to 70 mole %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 30 to 60 mole %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 40 to 70 mole %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 30 to 55 mole %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 45 to 70 mole %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 30 to 50 mole %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 50 to 70 mole %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 30 to less than 50 mole %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and greater than 50 to 70 mole %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 30 to 45 mole %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 55 to 70 mole %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 30 to 40 mole %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 60 to 70 mole %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 30 to 35 mole %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 65 to 70 mole %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol.

In other aspects of the invention, the glycol component for thepolyesters useful in the baby bottles of the invention include but arenot limited to at least one of the following combinations of ranges: 35to 99 mole % 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 1 to 65 mole %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 35 to 95 mole %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 5 to 65 mole %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 35 to 90 mole %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 10 to 65 mole %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 35 to 85 mole %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 15 to 65 mole %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 35 to 80 mole %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 20 to 65 mole %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 35 to 75 mole %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 25 to 65 mole %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 35 to 70 mole %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 30 to 65 mole %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 35 to 65 mole %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 35 to 65 mole %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 35 to 60 mole %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 40 to 65 mole %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 35 to 55 mole %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 45 to 65 mole %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 35 to 50 mole %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 50 to 65 mole %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 35 to less than 50 mole %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and greater than 50 to 65 mole %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 35 to 45 mole %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 55 to 65 mole %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 35 to 40 mole %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 60 to 65 mole %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol.

In other aspects of the invention, the glycol component for thepolyesters useful in the baby bottles of the invention include but arenot limited to at least one of the following combinations of ranges: 40to 99 mole % 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 1 to 60 mole %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 40 to 95 mole %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 5 to 60 mole %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 40 to 90 mole %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 10 to 60 mole %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 40 to 85 mole %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 15 to 60 mole %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 40 to 80 mole %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 20 to 60 mole %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 40 to 75 mole %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 25 to 60 mole %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 40 to 70 mole %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 30 to 60 mole %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 40 to 65 mole %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 35 to 60 mole %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 40 to 60 mole %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 40 to 60 mole %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 40 to 55 mole %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 45 to 60 mole %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 40 to less than 50 mole %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and greater than 50 to 60 mole %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 40 to 50 mole %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 50 to 60 mole %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; and 40 to 45 mole %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 55 to 60 mole %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol.

In other aspects of the invention, the glycol component for thepolyesters useful in the baby bottles of the invention include but arenot limited to at least one of the following combinations of ranges: 45to 99 mole % 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 1 to 55 mole %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 45 to 95 mole %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 5 to 55 mole %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 45 to 90 mole %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 10 to 55 mole %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 45 to 85 mole %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 15 to 55 mole %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 45 to 80 mole %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 20 to 55 mole %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 45 to 75 mole %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 25 to 55 mole %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 45 to 70 mole %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 30 to 55 mole %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 45 to 65 mole %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 35 to 55 mole %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 45 to 60 mole %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 40 to 55 mole %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; greater than 45 to 55 mole %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 45 to less than 55 mole %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 45 to 55 mole %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 45 to 55 mole %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; and 45 to 50 mole %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 50 to 55 mole %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol.

In other aspects of the invention, the glycol component for thepolyesters useful in the baby bottles of the invention include but arenot limited to at least one of the following combinations of ranges:greater than 50 to 99 mole % 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and1 to less than 50 mole % 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; greater than 50 to95 mole % 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 5 to less than 50mole % 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; greater than 50 to 90 mole %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 10 to less than 50 mole %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; greater than 50 to 85 mole %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 15 to less than 50 mole %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; greater than 50 to 80 mole %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 20 to less than 50 mole %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; greater than 50 to 75 mole %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 25 to less than 50 mole %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; greater than 50 to 70 mole %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 30 to less than 50 mole %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; greater than 50 to 65 mole %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 35 to less than 50 mole %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; greater than 50 to 60 mole %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 40 to less than 50 mole %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol.

In other aspects of the invention, the glycol component for thepolyesters useful in the baby bottles of the invention include but arenot limited to at least one of the following combinations of ranges: 55to 99 mole % 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 1 to 45 mole %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 55 to 95 mole %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 5 to 45 mole %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 55 to 90 mole %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 10 to 45 mole %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 55 to 85 mole %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 15 to 45 mole %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 55 to 80 mole %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 20 to 45 mole %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 55 to 75 mole %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 25 to 45 mole %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 55 to 70 mole %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 30 to 45 mole %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 55 to 65 mole %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 35 to 45 mole %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; and 55 to 60 mole %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 40 to 45 mole %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol.

In other aspects of the invention, the glycol component for thepolyesters useful in the baby bottles of the invention include but arenot limited to at least one of the following combinations of ranges: 60to 99 mole % 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 1 to 40 mole %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 60 to 95 mole %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 5 to 40 mole %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 60 to 90 mole %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 10 to 40 mole %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 60 to 85 mole %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 15 to 40 mole %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 60 to 80 mole %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 20 to 40 mole %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 60 to 75 mole %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 25 to 40 mole %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; and 60 to 70 mole %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 30 to 40 mole %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol.

In other aspects of the invention, the glycol component for thepolyesters useful in the baby bottles of the invention include but arenot limited to at least one of the following combinations of ranges: 65to 99 mole % 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 1 to 35 mole %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 65 to 95 mole %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 5 to 35 mole %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 65 to 90 mole %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 10 to 35 mole %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 65 to 85 mole %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 15 to 35 mole %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 65 to 80 mole %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 20 to 35 mole %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 65 to 75 mole %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 25 to 35 mole %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; and 65 to 70 mole %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 30 to 35 mole %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol.

In other aspects of the invention, the glycol component for thepolyesters useful in the baby bottles of the invention include but arenot limited to at least one of the following combinations of ranges: 70to 99 mole % 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 1 to 30 mole %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 70 to 95 mole %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 5 to 30 mole %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 70 to 90 mole %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 10 to 30 mole %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 70 to 85 mole %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 15 to 30 mole %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 70 to 80 mole %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 20 to 30 mole %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 70 to 75 mole %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 25 to 30 mole %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol.

In other aspects of the invention, the glycol component for thepolyesters useful in the baby bottles of the invention include but arenot limited to at least one of the following combinations of ranges 37to 80 mole % 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 20 to 63 mole %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 40 to less than 45 mole %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and greater than 55 to 60 mole %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; greater than 45 to 55 mole %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 45 to less than 55 mole %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; and 46 to 55 mole %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 45 to 54 mole %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; and 46 to 65 mole %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 35 to 54 mole %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol.

In addition to the diols set forth above, the polyesters useful in thepolyester compositions useful in the baby bottles of the invention maybe made from 1,3-propanediol, 1,4-butanediol, or mixtures thereof. It iscontemplated that compositions useful in the bottles of the inventionmade from 1,3-propanediol, 1,4-butanediol, or mixtures thereof canpossess at least one of the Tg ranges described herein, at least one ofthe inherent viscosity ranges described herein, and/or at least one ofthe glycol or diacid ranges described herein. In addition or in thealternative, the polyesters made from 1,3-propanediol or 1,4-butanediolor mixtures thereof may also be made from 1,4-cyclohexanedmethanol in atleast one of the following amounts: from 0.1 to 99 mole %; 0.1 to 90mole %; from 0.1 to 80 mole %; from 0.1 to 70 mole %; from 0.1 to 60mole %; from 0.1 to 50 mole %; from 0.1 to 40 mole %; from 0.1 to 35mole %; from 0.1 to 30 mole %; from 0.1 to 25 mole %; from 0.1 to 20mole %; from 0.1 to 15 mole %; from 0.1 to 10 mole %; from 0.1 to 5 mole%; from 1 to 99 mole %; from 1 to 90 mole %; from 1 to 80 mole %; from 1to 70 mole %; from 1 to 60 mole %; from 1 to 50 mole %; from 1 to 40mole %; from 1 to 35 mole %; from 1 to 30 mole %; from 1 to 25 mole %;from 1 to 20 mole %; from 1 to 15 mole %; from 1 to 10 mole %; from 1 to5 mole %; from 5 to 99 mole %; from 5 to 90 mole %; from 5 to 80 mole %;5 to 70 mole %; from 5 to 60 mole %; from 5 to 50 mole %; from 5 to 40mole %; from 5 to 35 mole %; from 5 to 30 mole %; from 5 to 25 mole %;from 5 to 20 mole %; and from 5 to 15 mole %; from 5 to 10 mole %; from10 to 99 mole %; from 10 to 90 mole %; from 10 to 80 mole %; from 10 to70 mole %; from 10 to 60 mole %; from 10 to 50 mole %; from 10 to 40mole %; from 10 to 35 mole %; from 10 to 30 mole %; from 10 to 25 mole%; from 10 to 20 mole %; from 10 to 15 mole %; from 20 to 99 mole %;from 20 to 80 mole %; from 20 to 70 mole %; from 20 to 60 mole %; from20 to 50 mole %; from 20 to 40 mole %; from 20 to 35 mole %; from 20 to30 mole %; and from 20 to 25 mole %.

For embodiments of the invention, the polyesters useful in the babybottles of the invention may exhibit at least one of the followinginherent viscosities as determined in 60/40 (wt/wt)phenol/tetrachloroethane at a concentration of 0.5 g/100 ml at 25° C.:0.10 to 1.2 dL/g; 0.10 to 1.1 dL/g; 0.10 to 1 dL/g; 0.10 to less than 1dL/g; 0.10 to 0.98 dL/g; 0.10 to 0.95 dL/g; 0.10 to 0.90 dL/g; 0.10 to0.85 dL/g; 0.10 to 0.80 dL/g; 0.10 to 0.75 dL/g; 0.10 to less than 0.75dL/g; 0.10 to 0.72 dL/g; 0.10 to 0.70 dL/g; 0.10 to less than 0.70 dL/g;0.10 to 0.68 dL/g; 0.10 to less than 0.68 dL/g; 0.10 to 0.65 dL/g; 0.10to 0.6 dL/g; 0.10 to 0.55 dL/g; 0.10 to 0.5 dL/g; 0.10 to 0.4 dL/g; 0.10to 0.35 dL/g; 0.20 to 1.2 dL/g; 0.20 to 1.1 dL/g; 0.20 to 1 dL/g; 0.20to less than 1 dL/g; 0.20 to 0.98 dL/g; 0.20 to 0.95 dL/g; 0.20 to 0.90dL/g; 0.20 to 0.85 dL/g; 0.20 to 0.80 dL/g; 0.20 to 0.75 dL/g; 0.20 toless than 0.75 dL/g; 0.20 to 0.72 dL/g; 0.20 to 0.70 dL/g; 0.20 to lessthan 0.70 dL/g; 0.20 to 0.68 dL/g; 0.20 to less than 0.68 dL/g; 0.20 to0.65 dL/g; 0.20 to 0.6 dL/g; 0.20 to 0.55 dL/g; 0.20 to 0.5 dL/g; 0.20to 0.4 dL/g; 0.20 to 0.35 dL/g; 0.35 to 1.2 dL/g; 0.35 to 1.1 dL/g; 0.35to 1 dL/g; 0.35 to less than 1 dL/g; 0.35 to 0.98 dL/g; 0.35 to 0.95dL/g; 0.35 to 0.90 dL/g; 0.35 to 0.85 dL/g; 0.35 to 0.80 dL/g; 0.35 to0.75 dL/g; 0.35 to less than 0.75 dL/g; 0.35 to 0.72 dL/g; 0.35 to 0.70dL/g; 0.35 to less than 0.70 dL/g; 0.35 to 0.68 dL/g; 0.35 to less than0.68 dL/g; 0.35 to 0.65 dL/g; 0.40 to 1.2 dL/g; 0.40 to 1.1 dL/g; 0.40to 1 dL/g; 0.40 to less than 1 dL/g; 0.40 to 0.98 dL/g; 0.40 to 0.95dL/g; 0.40 to 0.90 dL/g; 0.40 to 0.85 dL/g; 0.40 to 0.80 dL/g; 0.40 to0.75 dL/g; 0.40 to less than 0.75 dL/g; 0.40 to 0.72 dL/g; 0.40 to 0.70dL/g; 0.40 to less than 0.70 dL/g; 0.40 to 0.68 dL/g; 0.40 to less than0.68 dL/g; 0.40 to 0.65 dL/g; greater than 0.42 to 1.2 dL/g; greaterthan 0.42 to 1.1 dL/g; greater than 0.42 to 1 dL/g; greater than 0.42 toless than 1 dL/g; greater than 0.42 to 0.98 dL/g; greater than 0.42 to0.95 dL/g; greater than 0.42 to 0.90 dL/g; greater than 0.42 to 0.85dL/g; greater than 0.42 to 0.80 dL/g; greater than 0.42 to 0.75 dL/g;greater than 0.42 to less than 0.75 dL/g; greater than 0.42 to 0.72dL/g; greater than 0.42 to 0.70 dL/g; greater than 0.42 to less than0.70 dL/g; greater than 0.42 to 0.68 dL/g; greater than 0.42 to lessthan 0.68 dL/g; and greater than 0.42 to 0.65 dL/g.

For embodiments of the invention, the polyesters useful in the babybottles of the invention may exhibit at least one of the followinginherent viscosities as determined in 60/40 (wt/wt)phenol/tetrachloroethane at a concentration of 0.5 g/100 ml at 25° C.:0.45 to 1.2 dL/g; 0.45 to 1.1 dL/g; 0.45 to 1 dL/g; 0.45 to 0.98 dL/g;0.45 to 0.95 dL/g; 0.45 to 0.90 dL/g; 0.45 to 0.85 dL/g; 0.45 to 0.80dL/g; 0.45 to 0.75 dL/g; 0.45 to less than 0.75 dL/g; 0.45 to 0.72 dL/g;0.45 to 0.70 dL/g; 0.45 to less than 0.70 dL/g; 0.45 to 0.68 dL/g; 0.45to less than 0.68 dL/g; 0.45 to 0.65 dL/g; 0.50 to 1.2 dL/g; 0.50 to 1.1dL/g; 0.50 to 1 dL/g; 0.50 to less than 1 dL/g; 0.50 to 0.98 dL/g; 0.50to 0.95 dL/g; 0.50 to 0.90 dL/g; 0.50 to 0.85 dL/g; 0.50 to 0.80 dL/g;0.50 to 0.75 dL/g; 0.50 to less than 0.75 dL/g; 0.50 to 0.72 dL/g; 0.50to 0.70 dL/g; 0.50 to less than 0.70 dL/g; 0.50 to 0.68 dL/g; 0.50 toless than 0.68 dL/g; 0.50 to 0.65 dL/g; 0.55 to 1.2 dL/g; 0.55 to 1.1dL/g; 0.55 to 1 dL/g; 0.55 to less than 1 dL/g; 0.55 to 0.98 dL/g; 0.55to 0.95 dL/g; 0.55 to 0.90 dL/g; 0.55 to 0.85 dL/g; 0.55 to 0.80 dL/g;0.55 to 0.75 dL/g; 0.55 to less than 0.75 dL/g; 0.55 to 0.72 dL/g; 0.55to 0.70 dL/g; 0.55 to less than 0.70 dL/g; 0.55 to 0.68 dL/g; 0.55 toless than 0.68 dL/g; 0.55 to 0.65 dL/g; 0.58 to 1.2 dL/g; 0.58 to 1.1dL/g; 0.58 to 1 dL/g; 0.58 to less than 1 dL/g; 0.58 to 0.98 dL/g; 0.58to 0.95 dL/g; 0.58 to 0.90 dL/g; 0.58 to 0.85 dL/g; 0.58 to 0.80 dL/g;0.58 to 0.75 dL/g; 0.58 to less than 0.75 dL/g; 0.58 to 0.72 dL/g; 0.58to 0.70 dL/g; 0.58 to less than 0.70 dL/g; 0.58 to 0.68 dL/g; 0.58 toless than 0.68 dL/g; 0.58 to 0.65 dL/g; 0.60 to 1.2 dL/g; 0.60 to 1.1dL/g; 0.60 to 1 dL/g; 0.60 to less than 1 dL/g; 0.60 to 0.98 dL/g; 0.60to 0.95 dL/g; 0.60 to 0.90 dL/g; 0.60 to 0.85 dL/g; 0.60 to 0.80 dL/g;0.60 to 0.75 dL/g; 0.60 to less than 0.75 dL/g; 0.60 to 0.72 dL/g; 0.60to 0.70 dL/g; 0.60 to less than 0.70 dL/g; 0.60 to 0.68 dL/g; 0.60 toless than 0.68 dL/g; 0.60 to 0.65 dL/g; 0.65 to 1.2 dL/g; 0.65 to 1.1dL/g; 0.65 to 1 dL/g; 0.65 to less than 1 dL/g; 0.65 to 0.98 dL/g; 0.65to 0.95 dL/g; 0.65 to 0.90 dL/g; 0.65 to 0.85 dL/g; 0.65 to 0.80 dL/g;0.65 to 0.75 dL/g; 0.65 to less than 0.75 dL/g; 0.65 to 0.72 dL/g; 0.65to 0.70 dL/g; 0.65 to less than 0.70 dL/g; 0.68 to 1.2 dL/g; 0.68 to 1.1dL/g; 0.68 to 1 dL/g; 0.68 to less than 1 dL/g; 0.68 to 0.98 dL/g; 0.68to 0.95 dL/g; 0.68 to 0.90 dL/g; 0.68 to 0.85 dL/g; 0.68 to 0.80 dL/g;0.68 to 0.75 dL/g; 0.68 to less than 0.75 dL/g; 0.68 to 0.72 dL/g;greater than 0.76 dL/g to 1.2 dL/g; greater than 0.76 dL/g to 1.1 dL/g;greater than 0.76 dL/g to 1 dL/g; greater than 0.76 dL/g to less than 1dL/g; greater than 0.76 dL/g to 0.98 dL/g; greater than 0.76 dL/g to0.95 dL/g; greater than 0.76 dL/g to 0.90 dL/g; greater than 0.80 dL/gto 1.2 dL/g; greater than 0.80 dL/g to 1.1 dL/g; greater than 0.80 dL/gto 1 dL/g; greater than 0.80 dL/g to less than 1 dL/g; greater than 0.80dL/g to 1.2 dL/g; greater than 0.80 dL/g to 0.98 dL/g; greater than 0.80dL/g to 0.95 dL/g; greater than 0.80 dL/g to 0.90 dL/g.

For the desired polyester, the molar ratio of cis/trans2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol can vary from the pure form ofeach or mixtures thereof. In certain embodiments, the molar percentagesfor cis and/or trans 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol are greaterthan 50 mole % cis and less than 50 mole % trans; or greater than 55mole % cis and less than 45 mole % trans; or 30 to 70 mole % cis and 70to 30 mole % trans; or 40 to 60 mole % cis and 60 to 40 mole % trans; or50 to 70 mole % trans and 50 to 30% cis; or 50 to 70 mole % cis and 50to 30% trans; or 60 to 70 mole % cis and 30 to 40 mole % trans; orgreater than 70 mole % cis and less than 30 mole % trans; wherein thetotal sum of the mole percentages for cis- andtrans-2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol is equal to 100 mole %.The molar ratio of cis/trans 1,4-cyclohexandimethanol can vary withinthe range of 50/50 to 0/100, for example, between 40/60 to 20/80.

It is contemplated that compositions useful in the baby bottles of theinvention can possess at least one of the inherent viscosity rangesdescribed herein and at least one of the monomer ranges for thecompositions described herein unless otherwise stated. It is alsocontemplated that compositions useful in the baby bottles of theinvention can possess at least one of the Tg ranges described herein andat least one of the monomer ranges for the compositions described hereinunless otherwise stated. It is also contemplated that compositionsuseful in the baby bottles of the invention can possess at least one ofthe inherent viscosity ranges described herein, at least one of the Tgranges described herein, and at least one of the monomer ranges for thecompositions described herein unless otherwise stated.

In certain embodiments, terephthalic acid or an ester thereof, such as,for example, dimethyl terephthalate or a mixture of terephthalic acidresidues and an ester thereof can make up a portion or all of thedicarboxylic acid component used to form the polyesters useful inbottles of the invention. In certain embodiments, terephthalic acidresidues can make up a portion or all of the dicarboxylic acid componentused to form the polyesters useful in the bottles of the invention at aconcentration of at least 70 mole %, such as at least 80 mole %, atleast 90 mole % at least 95 mole %, at least 99 mole %, or even 100 mole%. In certain embodiments, higher amounts of terephthalic acid can beused in order to produce a higher impact strength polyester useful inthe baby bottles of the invention. For purposes of this disclosure, theterms “terephthalic acid” and “dimethyl terephthalate” are usedinterchangeably herein. In one embodiment, dimethyl terephthalate ispart or all of the dicarboxylic acid component used to make thepolyesters useful in the present invention. For the purposes of thisdisclosure, the terms “terephthalic acid” and “dimethyl terephthalate”are used interchangeably herein. In all embodiments, ranges of from 70to 100 mole %; or 80 to 100 mole %; or 90 to 100 mole %; or 99 to 100mole %; or 100 mole % terephthalic acid and/or dimethyl terephthalateand/or mixtures thereof may be used.

In addition to terephthalic acid, the dicarboxylic acid component of thepolyester useful in the invention can comprise up to 30 mole %, up to 20mole %, up to 10 mole %, up to 5 mole %, or up to 1 mole % of one ormore modifying aromatic dicarboxylic acids. Yet another embodimentcontains 0 mole % modifying aromatic dicarboxylic acids. Thus, ifpresent, it is contemplated that the amount of one or more modifyingaromatic dicarboxylic acids can range from any of these precedingendpoint values including, for example, from 0.01 to 30 mole %, 0.01 to20 mole %, from 0.01 to 10 mole %, from 0.01 to 5 mole % and from 0.01to 1 mole. In one embodiment, modifying aromatic dicarboxylic acids thatmay be used in the present invention include but are not limited tothose having up to 20 carbon atoms, and which can be linear,para-oriented, or symmetrical. Examples of modifying aromaticdicarboxylic acids which may be used in this invention include, but arenot limited to, isophthalic acid, 4,4′-biphenyldicarboxylic acid, 1,4-,1,5-, 2,6-, 2,7-naphthalenedicarboxylic acid, andtrans-4,4′-stilbenedicarboxylic acid, and esters thereof. In oneembodiment, the modifying aromatic dicarboxylic acid is isophthalicacid.

The carboxylic acid component of the polyesters useful in the babybottles of the invention can be further modified with up to 10 mole %,such as up to 5 mole % or up to 1 mole % of one or more aliphaticdicarboxylic acids containing 2-16 carbon atoms, such as, for example,malonic, succinic, glutaric, adipic, pimelic, suberic, azelaic anddodecanedioic dicarboxylic acids. Certain embodiments can also comprise0.01 or more mole %, such as 0.1 or more mole %, 1 or more mole %, 5 ormore mole %, or 10 or more mole % of one or more modifying aliphaticdicarboxylic acids. Yet another embodiment contains 0 mole % modifyingaliphatic dicarboxylic acids. Thus, if present, it is contemplated thatthe amount of one or more modifying aliphatic dicarboxylic acids canrange from any of these preceding endpoint values including, forexample, from 0.01 to 10 mole % and from 0.1 to 10 mole %. The totalmole % of the dicarboxylic acid component is 100 mole %.

Esters of terephthalic acid and the other modifying dicarboxylic acidsor their corresponding esters and/or salts may be used instead of thedicarboxylic acids. Suitable examples of dicarboxylic acid estersinclude, but are not limited to, the dimethyl, diethyl, dipropyl,diisopropyl, dibutyl, and diphenyl esters. In one embodiment, the estersare chosen from at least one of the following: methyl, ethyl, propyl,isopropyl, and phenyl esters.

The 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol may be cis, trans, or a mixture thereof,for example, a cis/trans ratio of 60:40 to 40:60. In another embodiment,the trans-1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol can be present in an amount of 60 to80 mole %.

The glycol component of the polyester portion of the polyestercomposition useful in the baby bottles of the invention can contain 25mole % or less of one or more modifying glycols which are not2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol or 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; inone embodiment, the polyesters useful in the baby bottles of theinvention may contain less than 15 mole % or of one or more modifyingglycols. In another embodiment, the polyesters useful in the babybottles of the invention can contain 10 mole % or less of one or moremodifying glycols. In another embodiment, the polyesters useful in thebaby bottles of the invention can contain 5 mole % or less of one ormore modifying glycols. In another embodiment, the polyesters useful inthe baby bottles of the invention can contain 3 mole % or less of one ormore modifying glycols. In another embodiment, the polyesters useful inthe baby bottles of the invention can contain 0 mole % modifyingglycols. Certain embodiments can also contain 0.01 or more mole %, suchas 0.1 or more mole %, 1 or more mole %, 5 or more mole %, or 10 or moremole % of one or more modifying glycols. Thus, if present, it iscontemplated that the amount of one or more modifying glycols can rangefrom any of these preceding endpoint values including, for example, from0.01 to 15 mole % and from 0.1 to 10 mole %.

Modifying glycols useful in the polyesters useful in the baby bottles ofthe invention refer to diols other than2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanoland can contain 2 to 16 carbon atoms. Examples of suitable modifyingglycols include, but are not limited to, ethylene glycol,1,2-propanediol, 1,3-propanediol, neopentyl glycol, 1,4-butanediol,1,5-pentanediol, 1,6-hexanediol, p-xylene glycol, or mixtures thereof.In one embodiment, the modifying glycol is ethylene glycol. In anotherembodiment, the modifying glycols include, but are not limited to,1,3-propanediol and 1,4-butanediol. In another embodiment, ethyleneglycol is excluded as a modifying diol. In another embodiment,1,3-propanediol and 1,4-butanediol are excluded as modifying diols. Inanother embodiment, 2,2-dimethyl-1,3-propanediol is excluded as amodifying diol.

The polyesters and/or the polycarbonates useful in the polyesterscompositions useful in the baby bottles of the invention can comprisefrom 0 to 10 mole percent, for example, from 0.01 to 5 mole percent,from 0.01 to 1 mole percent, from 0.05 to 5 mole percent, from 0.05 to 1mole percent, or from 0.1 to 0.7 mole percent, based the total molepercentages of either the diol or diacid residues; respectively, of oneor more residues of a branching monomer, also referred to herein as abranching agent, having 3 or more carboxyl substituents, hydroxylsubstituents, or a combination thereof. In certain embodiments, thebranching monomer or agent may be added prior to and/or during and/orafter the polymerization of the polyester. The polyester(s) useful inthe baby bottles of the invention can thus be linear or branched. Thepolycarbonate can also be linear or branched. In certain embodiments,the branching monomer or agent may be added prior to and/or duringand/or after the polymerization of the polycarbonate.

Examples of branching monomers include, but are not limited to,multifunctional acids or multifunctional alcohols such as trimelliticacid, trimellitic anhydride, pyromellitic dianhydride,trimethylolpropane, glycerol, pentaerythritol, citric acid, tartaricacid, 3-hydroxyglutaric acid and the like. In one embodiment, thebranching monomer residues can comprise 0.1 to 0.7 mole percent of oneor more residues chosen from at least one of the following: trimelliticanhydride, pyromellitic dianhydride, glycerol, sorbitol,1,2,6-hexanetriol, pentaerythritol, trimethylolethane, and/or trimesicacid. The branching monomer may be added to the polyester reactionmixture or blended with the polyester in the form of a concentrate asdescribed, for example, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,654,347 and 5,696,176, whosedisclosure regarding branching monomers is incorporated herein byreference.

The glass transition temperature (Tg) of the polyesters useful in thebaby bottles of the invention was determined using a TA DSC 2920 fromThermal Analyst Instrument at a scan rate of 20° C./min.

Because of the long crystallization half-times (e.g., greater than 5minutes) at 170° C. exhibited by certain polyesters useful in the babybottles of the invention, it can be possible to produce injection blowmolded bottles, injection stretch blow molded bottles, extrusion blowmolded bottles and extrusion stretch blow molded bottles. The polyestersuseful in the baby bottles of the invention can be “amorphous” orsemicrystalline. In one aspect, certain polyesters useful in theinvention can have a relatively low crystallinity. Certain polyestersuseful in the baby bottles of the invention can thus have asubstantially amorphous morphology, meaning that the polyesters comprisesubstantially unordered regions of polymer.

In one embodiment, an “amorphous” polyester can have a crystallizationhalf-time of greater than 5 minutes at 170° C. or greater than 10minutes at 170° C. or greater than 50 minutes at 170° C. or greater than100 minutes at 170° C. In one embodiment, of the invention, thecrystallization half-times can be greater than 1,000 minutes at 170° C.In another embodiment of the invention, the crystallization half-timesof the polyesters useful in the baby bottles invention can be greaterthan 10,000 minutes at 170° C. The crystallization half time of thepolyester, as used herein, may be measured using methods well-known topersons of skill in the art. For example, the crystallization half timeof the polyester, t_(1/2), can be determined by measuring the lighttransmission of a sample via a laser and photo detector as a function oftime on a temperature controlled hot stage. This measurement can be doneby exposing the polymers to a temperature, T_(max), and then cooling itto the desired temperature. The sample can then be held at the desiredtemperature by a hot stage while transmission measurements are made as afunction of time. Initially, the sample can be visually clear with highlight transmission and becomes opaque as the sample crystallizes. Thecrystallization half-time is the time at which the light transmission ishalfway between the initial transmission and the final transmission.T_(max) is defined as the temperature required to melt the crystallinedomains of the sample (if crystalline domains are present). The samplecan be heated to T_(max) to condition the sample prior tocrystallization half time measurement. The absolute T_(max) temperatureis different for each composition. For example PCT can be heated to sometemperature greater than 290° C. to melt the crystalline domains.

As shown in Table 1 and FIG. 1 of the Examples,2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol is more effective than othercomonomers such ethylene glycol and isophthalic acid at increasing thecrystallization half-time, i.e., the time required for a polymer toreach half of its maximum crystallinity. By decreasing thecrystallization rate of PCT, i.e. increasing the crystallizationhalf-time, amorphous articles based on modified PCT may be fabricated bymethods known in the art such as extrusion, injection molding, and thelike. As shown in Table 1, these materials can exhibit higher glasstransition temperatures and lower densities than other modified PCTcopolyesters.

The polyesters can exhibit an improvement in toughness combined withprocessability for some of the embodiments useful in the baby bottles ofthe invention. For example, lowering the inherent viscosity slightly ofthe polyesters useful in the bottles of the invention results in a moreprocessable melt viscosity while retaining good physical properties ofthe polyesters such as toughness and heat resistance.

Increasing the content of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol in a copolyesterbased on terephthalic acid, ethylene glycol, and1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol can improve toughness which can be determinedby the brittle-to-ductile transition temperature in a notched Izodimpact strength test as measured by ASTM D256. This toughnessimprovement, by lowering of the brittle-to-ductile transitiontemperature with 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol, is believed to occur due tothe flexibility and conformational behavior of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanolin the copolyester. Incorporating2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol into PCT is believed to improvetoughness, by lowering the brittle-to-ductile transition temperature, asshown in Table 2 and FIG. 2 of the Examples. This is unexpected giventhe rigidity of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol.

In one embodiment, the melt viscosity of the polyester(s) useful in thebaby bottles of the invention is less than 30,000 poise as measured a 1radian/second on a rotary melt rheometer at 290° C. In anotherembodiment, the melt viscosity of the polyester(s) useful in the babybottles of the invention is less than 20,000 poise as measured a 1radian/second on a rotary melt rheometer at 290° C.

In one embodiment, the melt viscosity of the polyester(s) useful in thebaby bottles of the invention is less than 15,000 poise as measured at 1radian/second (rad/sec) on a rotary melt rheometer at 290° C. In oneembodiment, the melt viscosity of the polyester(s) useful in the babybottles of the invention is less than 10,000 poise as measured at 1radian/second (rad/sec) on a rotary melt rheometer at 290° C. In anotherembodiment, the melt viscosity of the polyester(s) useful in the babybottles of the invention is less than 6,000 poise as measured at 1radian/second on a rotary melt rheometer at 290° C. Viscosity at rad/secis related to processability. Typical polymers have viscosities of lessthan 10,000 poise as measured at 1 radian/second when measured at theirprocessing temperature. Polyesters are typically not processed above 290C. Polycarbonate is typically processed at 290 C. The viscosity at 1rad/sec of a typical 12 melt flow rate polycarbonate is 7000 poise at290° C.

In one embodiment, certain polyesters useful in the baby bottles of theinvention can be visually clear. The term “visually clear” is definedherein as an appreciable absence of cloudiness, haziness, and/ormuddiness, when inspected visually. In another embodiment, when thepolyesters are blended with polycarbonate, including but not limited to,bisphenol A polycarbonates, the blends can be visually clear.

In other embodiments of the invention, the polyesters useful in the babybottles of the invention may have a yellowness index (ASTM D-1925) ofless than 50 or less than 20.

In one embodiment, the polyesters useful in the baby bottles of theinvention and/or the polyester compositions useful in the baby bottlesof the invention, with or without toners, can have color values L*, a*and b* which were determined using a Hunter Lab Ultrascan SpectraColorimeter manufactured by Hunter Associates Lab Inc., Reston, Va. Thecolor determinations are averages of values measured on either pelletsof the polyesters or plaques or other items injection molded or extrudedfrom them. They are determined by the L*a*b* color system of the CIE(International Commission on Illumination) (translated), wherein L*represents the lightness coordinate, a* represents the red/greencoordinate, and b* represents the yellow/blue coordinate. In certainembodiments, the b* values for the polyesters useful in the baby bottlesof the invention can be from −10 to less than 10 and the L* values canbe from 50 to 90. In other embodiments, the b* values for the polyestersuseful in the baby bottles of the invention can be present in one of thefollowing ranges: from −10 to 9; −10 to 8; −10 to 7; −10 to 6; −10 to 5;−10 to 4; −10 to 3; −10 to 2; from −5 to 9; −5 to 8; −5 to 7; −5 to 6;−5 to 5; −5 to 4; −5 to 3; −5 to 2; 0 to 9; 0 to 8; 0 to 7; 0 to 6; 0 to5; 0 to 4; 0 to 3; 0 to 2; 1 to 10; 1 to 9; 1 to 8; 1 to 7; 1 to 6; 1 to5; 1 to 4; 1 to 3; and 1 to 2. In other embodiments, the L* value forthe polyesters useful in the baby bottles of the invention can bepresent in one of the following ranges: 50 to 60; 50 to 70; 50 to 80; 50to 90; 60 to 70; 60 to 80; 60 to 90; 70 to 80; 79 to 90.

In some embodiments, use of the polyester compositions useful in thebaby bottles of the invention minimizes and/or eliminates the dryingstep prior to melt processing and/or thermoforming.

The present polyesters useful in the baby bottles of this invention canpossess one or more of the following properties. Notched Izod impactstrength, as described in ASTM D256, is a common method of measuringtoughness. The present polyesters useful in the baby bottles of theinvention can possess one or more of the following properties. In oneembodiment, the polyesters useful in the baby bottles of the inventionexhibit a impact strength of at least 150 J/m (3 ft-lb/in) at 23° C.with a 10-mil notch in a 3.2 mm (⅛-inch) thick bar determined accordingto ASTM D256; in one embodiment, the polyesters useful in the babybottles of the invention exhibit a notched Izod impact strength of atleast (400 J/m) 7.5 ft-lb/in at 23° C. with a 10-mil notch in a 3.2 mm(⅛-inch) thick bar determined according to ASTM D256; in one embodiment,the polyesters useful in the baby bottles of the invention exhibit anotched Izod impact strength of at least 1000 J/m (18 ft-lb/in) at 23°C. with a 10-mil notch in a 3.2 mm (⅛-inch) thick bar determinedaccording to ASTM D256. In one embodiment, the polyesters useful in thebaby bottles of the invention exhibit a notched Izod impact strength ofat least 150 J/m (3 ft-lb/in) at 23° C. with a 10-mil notch in a 6.4 mm(¼-inch) thick bar determined according to ASTM D256; in one embodiment,the polyesters useful in the baby bottles of the invention exhibit anotched Izod impact strength of at least (400 J/m) 7.5 ft-lb/in at 23°C. with a 10-mil notch in a 6.4 mm (¼-inch) thick bar determinedaccording to ASTM D256; in one embodiment, the polyesters useful in thebaby bottles of the invention exhibit a notched Izod impact strength ofat least 1000 J/m (18 ft-lb/in) at 23° C. with a 10-mil notch in a 6.4mm (⅛-inch) thick bar determined according to ASTM D256.

In another embodiment, certain polyesters useful in the baby bottles ofthe invention can exhibit an increase in notched Izod impact strengthwhen measured at 0° C. of at least 3% or at least 5% or at least 10% orat least 15% as compared to the notched Izod impact strength whenmeasured at −5° C. with a 10-mil notch in a ⅛-inch thick bar determinedaccording to ASTM D256. In addition, certain other polyesters useful inthe baby bottles of the invention can also exhibit a retention ofnotched Izod impact strength within plus or minus 5% when measured at 0°C. through 30° C. with a 10-mil notch in a ⅛-inch thick bar determinedaccording to ASTM D256.

In yet another embodiment, certain polyesters useful in the baby bottlesof the invention can exhibit a retention in notched Izod impact strengthwith a loss of no more than 70% when measured at 23° C. with a 10-milnotch in a ¼-inch thick bar determined according to ASTM D256 ascompared to notched Izod impact strength for the same polyester whenmeasured at the same temperature with a 10-mil notch in a ⅛-inch thickbar determined according to ASTM D256.

In one embodiment, the polyesters useful in the baby bottles of theinvention can exhibit a ductile-to-brittle transition temperature ofless than 0° C. based on a 10-mil notch in a ⅛-inch thick bar as definedby ASTM D256.

In one embodiment, the polyesters useful in the baby bottles of theinvention can exhibit at least one of the following densities: a densityof less than 1.3 g/ml at 23° C.; a density of less than 1.2 g/ml at 23°C.; a density of less than 1.18 g/ml at 23° C.; a density of 0.70 to 1.3g/ml at 23° C.; a density of 0.70 to 1.2 g/ml at 23° C.; a density of0.70 to less than 1.2 g/ml at 23° C.; a density of 0.75 to 1.3 g/ml at23° C.; a density of 0.75 to 1.2 at 23° C.; a density of 0.75 g/ml toless than 1.2 at 23° C.; a density of 0.80 g/ml to 1.3 at 23° C.; adensity of 0.80 g/ml to 1.2 at 23° C.; a density of 0.80 to less than1.2 g/ml at 23° C.; a density of 0.90 g/ml to 1.3 at 23° C.; a densityof 0.90 to 1.2 g/ml at 23° C.; a density of 0.90 to less than 1.2 g/mlat 23° C.; a density of 1.0 to 1.3 g/ml at 23° C., a density of 1.0 to1.2 g/ml at 23° C.; a density of 1.1 to 1.3 g/ml at 23° C.; a density of1.1 to 1.2 g/ml at 23° C.; a density of 1.13 to 1.3 g/ml at 23° C., adensity of 1.13 to 1.2 g/ml at 23° C.; a density of 0.80 to 1.18 at 23°C.; a density of 0.80 to less than 1.18 g/ml at 23° C.; a density of 1.0to less than 1.18 g/ml at 23° C.; and a density of 1.1 to less than 1.18g/ml at 23° C.

In one embodiment, polyesters useful in the baby bottles of theinvention exhibit superior notched toughness in thick sections. NotchedIzod impact strength, as described in ASTM D256, is a common method ofmeasuring toughness. When tested by the Izod method, polymers canexhibit either a complete break failure mode, where the test specimenbreaks into two distinct parts, or a partial or no break failure mode,where the test specimen remains as one part. The complete break failuremode is associated with low energy failure. The partial and no breakfailure modes are associated with high energy failure. A typicalthickness used to measure Izod toughness is ⅛″. At this thickness, veryfew polymers are believed to exhibit a partial or no break failure mode,polycarbonate being one notable example. When the thickness of the testspecimen is increased to ¼″, however, no commercial amorphous materialsexhibit a partial or no break failure mode. In one embodiment,compositions of the present example exhibit a no break failure mode whentested in Izod using a ¼″ thick specimen.

In some embodiments, use of the polyester compositions useful in thebaby bottles of the invention minimizes and/or eliminates the dryingstep prior to melt processing and/or thermoforming.

The polyester portion of the polyester compositions useful in the babybottles of the invention can be made by processes known from theliterature such as, for example, by processes in homogenous solution, bytransesterification processes in the melt, and by two phase interfacialprocesses. Suitable methods include, but are not limited to, the stepsof reacting one or more dicarboxylic acids with one or more glycols at atemperature of 100° C. to 315° C. at a pressure of 0.1 to 760 mm Hg fora time sufficient to form a polyester. See U.S. Pat. No. 3,772,405 formethods of producing polyesters, the disclosure regarding such methodsis hereby incorporated herein by reference.

In another aspect, the invention relates to baby bottles comprising apolyester produced by a process comprising:

-   -   (I) heating a mixture comprising the monomers useful in any of        the polyesters useful in the invention in the presence of a        catalyst at a temperature of 150 to 240° C. for a time        sufficient to produce an initial polyester;    -   (II) heating the initial polyester of step (I) at a temperature        of 240 to 320° C. for 1 to 4 hours; and    -   (III) removing any unreacted glycols.

Suitable catalysts for use in this process include, but are not limitedto, organo-zinc or tin compounds. The use of this type of catalyst iswell known in the art. Examples of catalysts useful in the presentinvention include, but are not limited to, zinc acetate, butyltintris-2-ethylhexanoate, dibutyltin diacetate, and dibutyltin oxide. Othercatalysts may include, but are not limited to, those based on titanium,zinc, manganese, lithium, germanium, and cobalt. Catalyst amounts canrange from 10 ppm to 20,000 ppm or 10 to 10,000 ppm, or 10 to 5000 ppmor 10 to 1000 ppm or 10 to 500 ppm, or 10 to 300 ppm or 10 to 250 basedon the catalyst metal and based on the weight of the final polymer. Theprocess can be carried out in either a batch or continuous process.

Typically, step (I) can be carried out until 50% by weight or more ofthe 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol has been reacted. Step (I)may be carried out under pressure, ranging from atmospheric pressure to100 psig. The term “reaction product” as used in connection with any ofthe catalysts useful in the invention refers to any product of apolycondensation or esterification reaction with the catalyst and any ofthe monomers used in making the polyester as well as the product of apolycondensation or esterification reaction between the catalyst and anyother type of additive.

Typically, Step (II) and Step (III) can be conducted at the same time.These steps can be carried out by methods known in the art such as byplacing the reaction mixture under a pressure ranging, from 0.002 psigto below atmospheric pressure, or by blowing hot nitrogen gas over themixture.

The invention further relates to a polymer blend useful in the babybottles of the invention. The blend comprises:

(a) from 5 to 95 wt % of at least one of the polyesters described above;and

(b) from 5 to 95 wt % of at least one of the polymeric components.

Suitable examples of the polymeric components include, but are notlimited to, nylon; polyesters different than those described herein;polyamides such as ZYTEL® from DuPont; polystyrene; polystyrenecopolymers; styrene acrylonitrile copolymers; acrylonitrile butadienestyrene copolymers; poly(methylmethacrylate); acrylic copolymers;poly(ether-imides) such as ULTEM® (a poly(ether-imide) from GeneralElectric); polyphenylene oxides such as poly(2,6-dimethylphenyleneoxide) or poly(phenylene oxide)/polystyrene blends such as NORYL 1000®)(a blend of poly(2,6-dimethylphenylene oxide) and polystyrene resinsfrom General Electric); polyphenylene sulfides; polyphenylenesulfide/sulfones; poly(ester-carbonates); polycarbonates such as LEXAN®(a polycarbonate from General Electric); polysulfones; polysulfoneethers; and poly(ether-ketones) of aromatic dihydroxy compounds; ormixtures of any of the foregoing polymers. The blends can be prepared byconventional processing techniques known in the art, such as meltblending or solution blending. In one embodiment, polycarbonate is notpresent in the polyester composition useful in the baby bottles of theinvention. If polycarbonate is used in a blend in the polyestercompositions of the bottles of the invention, the blends can be visuallyclear. However, polyester compositions useful in the baby bottles of theinvention also contemplate the exclusion of polycarbonate as well as theinclusion of polycarbonate.

Polycarbonates useful in the baby bottles of the invention may beprepared according to known procedures, for example, by reacting thedihydroxyaromatic compound with a carbonate precursor such as phosgene,a haloformate or a carbonate ester, a molecular weight regulator, anacid acceptor and a catalyst. Methods for preparing polycarbonates areknown in the art and are described, for example, in U.S. Pat. No.4,452,933, where the disclosure regarding the preparation ofpolycarbonates is hereby incorporated by reference herein.

Examples of suitable carbonate precursors include, but are not limitedto, carbonyl bromide, carbonyl chloride, or mixtures thereof; diphenylcarbonate; a di(halophenyl)carbonate, e.g.,di(trichlorophenyl)carbonate, di(tribromophenyl)carbonate, and the like;di(alkylphenyl)carbonate, e.g., di(tolyl)carbonate;di(naphthyl)carbonate; di(chloronaphthyl)carbonate, or mixtures thereof;and bis-haloformates of dihydric phenols.

Examples of suitable molecular weight regulators include, but are notlimited to, phenol, cyclohexanol, methanol, alkylated phenols, such asoctylphenol, para-tertiary-butyl-phenol, and the like. In oneembodiment, the molecular weight regulator is phenol or an alkylatedphenol.

The acid acceptor may be either an organic or an inorganic acidacceptor. A suitable organic acid acceptor can be a tertiary amine andincludes, but is not limited to, such materials as pyridine,triethylamine, dimethylaniline, tributylamine, and the like. Theinorganic acid acceptor can be either a hydroxide, a carbonate, abicarbonate, or a phosphate of an alkali or alkaline earth metal.

The catalysts that can be used include, but are not limited to, thosethat typically aid the polymerization of the monomer with phosgene.Suitable catalysts include, but are not limited to, tertiary amines suchas triethylamine, tripropylamine, N,N-dimethylaniline, quaternaryammonium compounds such as, for example, tetraethylammonium bromide,cetyl triethyl ammonium bromide, tetra-n-heptylammonium iodide,tetra-n-propyl ammonium bromide, tetramethyl ammonium chloride,tetra-methyl ammonium hydroxide, tetra-n-butyl ammonium iodide,benzyltrimethyl ammonium chloride and quaternary phosphonium compoundssuch as, for example, n-butyltriphenyl phosphonium bromide andmethyltriphenyl phosphonium bromide.

The polycarbonates useful in the polyester compositions useful in thebaby boftles of the invention also may be copolyestercarbonates such asthose described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,169,121; 3,207,814; 4,194,038;4,156,069; 4,430,484, 4,465,820, and 4,981,898, where the disclosureregarding copolyestercarbonates from each of the U.S. patents isincorporated by reference herein.

Copolyestercarbonates useful in baby bottles of the invention can beavailable commercially and/or may be prepared by known methods in theart. For example, they can be typically obtained by the reaction of atleast one dihydroxyaromatic compound with a mixture of phosgene and atleast one dicarboxylic acid chloride, especially isophthaloyl chloride,terephthaloyl chloride, or both.

In addition, the polyester compositions and the polymer blendcompositions useful in the baby bottles of this invention may alsocontain from 0.01 to 25% by weight of the overall composition commonadditives such as colorants, dyes, mold release agents, flameretardants, plasticizers, nucleating agents, stabilizers, including butnot limited to, UV stabilizers, thermal stabilizers and/or reactionproducts thereof, fillers, and impact modifiers. Examples of typicalcommercially available impact modifiers well known in the art and usefulin this invention include, but are not limited to, ethylene/propyleneterpolymers, functionalized polyolefins such as those containing methylacrylate and/or glycidyl methacrylate, styrene-based block copolymericimpact modifiers, and various acrylic core/shell type impact modifiers.Residues of such additives are also contemplated as part of thepolyester composition

The polyesters useful in the baby bottles of the invention can compriseat least one chain extender. Suitable chain extenders include, but arenot limited to, multifunctional (including, but not limited to,bifunctional) isocyanates, multifunctional epoxides, including forexample, epoxylated novolacs, and phenoxy resins. In certainembodiments, chain extenders may be added at the end of thepolymerization process or after the polymerization process. If addedafter the polymerization process, chain extenders can be incorporated bycompounding or by addition during conversion processes such as injectionmolding or extrusion. The amount of chain extender used can varydepending on the specific monomer composition used and the physicalproperties desired but is generally from 0.1 percent by weight to 10percent by weight, such as 0.1 to 5 percent by weight, based on thetotal weight of the polyester.

Thermal stabilizers are compounds that stabilize polyesters duringpolyester manufacture and/or post polymerization, including but notlimited to phosphorous compounds including but not limited to phosphoricacid, phosphorous acid, phosphonic acid, phosphinic acid, phosphonousacid, and various esters and salts thereof. These can be present in thepolyester compositions useful in the baby bottles of the invention. Theesters can be alkyl, branched alkyl, substituted alkyl, difunctionalalkyl, alkyl ethers, aryl, and substituted aryl. In one embodiment, thenumber of ester groups present in the particular phosphorous compoundcan vary from zero up to the maximum allowable based on the number ofhydroxyl groups present on the thermal stabilizer used. The term“thermal stabilizer” is intended to include the reaction product(s)thereof. The term “reaction product” as used in connection with thethermal stabilizers of the invention refers to any product of apolycondensation or esterification reaction between the thermalstabilizer and any of the monomers used in making the polyester as wellas the product of a polycondensation or esterification reaction betweenthe catalyst and any other type of additive.

Reinforcing materials may be useful in the compositions useful in thebaby bottles of this invention. The reinforcing materials may include,but are not limited to, carbon filaments, silicates, mica, clay, talc,titanium dioxide, Wollastonite, glass flakes, glass beads and fibers,and polymeric fibers and combinations thereof. In one embodiment, thereinforcing materials include glass, such as, fibrous glass filaments,mixtures of glass and talc, glass and mica, and glass and polymericfibers.

The invention further relates to baby bottles described herein. Themethods of forming the polyesters into baby bottles are well known inthe art.

These bottles include, but are not limited to, injection blow moldedbottles, injection stretch blow molded bottles, extrusion blow moldedbottles, and extrusion stretch blow molded bottles. Methods of makingbottles include but are not limited to extrusion blow molding, extrusionstretch blow molding, thermoforming, injection blow molding, andinjection stretch blow molding.

For the purposes of this invention, the term “wt” means “weight”.

The following examples further illustrate how the bottles of theinvention can be made and evaluated, and are intended to be purelyexemplary of the invention and are not intended to limit the scopethereof. Unless indicated otherwise, parts are parts by weight,temperature is in degrees C. or is at room temperature, and pressure isat or near atmospheric.

EXAMPLES

Measurement Methods

The inherent viscosity of the polyesters was determined in 60/40 (wt/wt)phenol/tetrachloroethane at a concentration of 0.5 g/100 ml at 25° C.

Unless stated otherwise, the glass transition temperature (T_(g)) wasdetermined using a TA DSC 2920 instrument from Thermal AnalystInstruments at a scan rate of 20° C./min according to ASTM D3418.

The glycol content and the cis/trans ratio of the compositions weredetermined by proton nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. AllNMR spectra were recorded on a JEOL Eclipse Plus 600 MHz nuclearmagnetic resonance spectrometer using either chloroform-trifluoroaceticacid (70-30 volume/volume) for polymers or, for oligomeric samples,60/40(wt/wt) phenol/tetrachloroethane with deuterated chloroform addedfor lock. Peak assignments for 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediolresonances were made by comparison to model mono- and dibenzoate estersof 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol. These model compoundsclosely approximate the resonance positions found in the polymers andoligomers.

The crystallization half-time, t1/2, was determined by measuring thelight transmission of a sample via a laser and photo detector as afunction of time on a temperature controlled hot stage. This measurementwas done by exposing the polymers to a temperature, T_(max), and thencooling it to the desired temperature. The sample was then held at thedesired temperature by a hot stage while transmission measurements weremade as a function of time. Initially, the sample was visually clearwith high light transmission and became opaque as the samplecrystallized. The crystallization half-time was recorded as the time atwhich the light transmission was halfway between the initialtransmission and the final transmission. T_(max) is defined as thetemperature required to melt the crystalline domains of the sample (ifcrystalline domains are present). The T_(max) reported in the examplesbelow represents the temperature at which each sample was heated tocondition the sample prior to crystallization half time measurement. TheT_(max) temperature is dependant on composition and is typicallydifferent for each polyester. For example, PCT may need to be heated tosome temperature greater than 290° C. to melt the crystalline domains.

Density was determined using a gradient density column at 23° C.

The melt viscosity reported herein was measured by using a RheometricsDynamic Analyzer (RDA II). The melt viscosity was measured as a functionof shear rate, at frequencies ranging from 1 to 400 rad/sec, at thetemperatures reported. The zero shear melt viscosity (η_(o)) is the meltviscosity at zero shear rate estimated by extrapolating the data byknown models in the art. This step is automatically performed by theRheometrics Dynamic Analyzer (RDA II) software.

The polymers were dried at a temperature ranging from 80 to 100° C. in avacuum oven for 24 hours and injection molded on a Boy 22S moldingmachine to give ⅛×½×5-inch and ¼×½×5-inch flexure bars. These bars werecut to a length of 2.5 inch and notched down the ½ inch width with a10-mil notch in accordance with ASTM D256. The average Izod impactstrength at 23° C. was determined from measurements on 5 specimens.

In addition, 5 specimens were tested at various temperatures using 5° C.increments in order to determine the brittle-to-ductile transitiontemperature. The brittle-to-ductile transition temperature is defined asthe temperature at which 50% of the specimens fail in a brittle manneras denoted by ASTM D256.

Color values reported herein were determined using a Hunter LabUltrascan Spectra Colorimeter manufactured by Hunter Associates LabInc., Reston, Va. The color determinations were averages of valuesmeasured on either pellets of the polyesters or plaques or other itemsinjection molded or extruded from them. They were determined by theL*a*b* color system of the CIE (International Commission onIllumination) (translated), wherein L* represents the lightnesscoordinate, a* represents the red/green coordinate, and b* representsthe yellow/blue coordinate.

In addition, 10-mil films were compression molded using a Carver pressat 240° C.

Unless otherwise specified, the cis/trans ratio of the 1,4cyclohexanedimethanol used in the following examples was approximately30/70, and could range from 35/65 to 25/75. Unless otherwise specified,the cis/trans ratio of the 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol usedin the following examples was approximately 50/50.

The following abbreviations apply throughout the working examples andfigures: TPA Terephthalic acid DMT Dimethyl terephthalate TMCD2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol CHDM 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanolIV Inherent viscosity η_(o) Zero shear melt viscosity T_(g) Glasstransition temperature T_(bd) Brittle-to-ductile transition temperatureT_(max) Conditioning temperature for crystallization half timemeasurements

Example 1

This example illustrates that 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol ismore effective at reducing the crystallization rate of PCT than ethyleneglycol or isophthalic acid. In addition, this example illustrates thebenefits of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol on the glasstransition temperature and density.

A variety of copolyesters were prepared as described below. Thesecopolyesters were all made with 200 ppm dibutyl tin oxide as thecatalyst in order to minimize the effect of catalyst type andconcentration on nucleation during crystallization studies. Thecis/trans ratio of the 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol was 31/69 while thecis/trans ratio of the 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol isreported in Table 1.

For purposes of this example, the samples had sufficiently similarinherent viscosities thereby effectively eliminating this as a variablein the crystallization rate measurements.

Crystallization half-time measurements from the melt were made attemperatures from 140 to 200° C. at 10° C. increments and are reportedin Table 1. The fastest crystallization half-time for each sample wastaken as the minimum value of crystallization half-time as a function oftemperature, typically occurring around 170 to 180° C. The fastestcrystallization half-times for the samples are plotted in FIG. 1 as afunction of mole % comonomer modification to PCT.

The data shows that 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol is moreeffective than ethylene glycol and isophthalic acid at decreasing thecrystallization rate (i.e., increasing the crystallization half-time).In addition, 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol increases Tg andlowers density. TABLE 1 Crystallization Half-times (min) at at at at atat at Comonomer IV Density T_(g) T_(max) 140° C. 150° C. 160° C. 170° C.180° C. 190° C. 200° C. Example (mol %)¹ (dl/g) (g/ml) (° C.) (° C.)(min) (min) (min) (min) (min) (min) (min) 1A 20.2% A² 0.630 1.198 87.5290 2.7 2.1 1.3 1.2 0.9 1.1 1.5 1B 19.8% B 0.713 1.219 87.7 290 2.3 2.51.7 1.4 1.3 1.4 1.7 1C 20.0% C 0.731 1.188 100.5 290 >180 >60 35.0 23.321.7 23.3 25.2 1D 40.2% A² 0.674 1.198 81.2 260 18.7 20.0 21.3 25.0 34.059.9 96.1 1E 34.5% B 0.644 1.234 82.1 260 8.5 8.2 7.3 7.3 8.3 10.0 11.41F 40.1% C 0.653 1.172 122.0 260 >10 days >5 days >5 days 19204 >5days >5 days >5 days 1G 14.3% D 0.646³ 1.188 103.0 290 55.0 28.8 11.66.8 4.8 5.0 5.5 1H 15.0% E 0.728⁴ 1.189 99.0 290 25.4 17.1 8.1 5.9 4.32.7 5.1¹The balance of the diol component of the polyesters in Table 1 is1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; and the balance of the dicarboxylic acidcomponent of the polyesters in Table 1 is dimethyl terephthalate; if thedicarboxylic acid is not described, it is 100 mole % dimethylterephthalate.²100 mole % 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol.³A film was pressed from the ground polyester of Example 1G at 240° C.The resulting film had an inherent viscosity value of 0.575 dL/g.⁴A film was pressed from the ground polyester of Example 1H at 240° C.The resulting film had an inherent viscosity value of 0.0.652 dL/g.where:A is Isophthalic AcidB is Ethylene GlycolC is 2,2,4,4-Tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol (approx. 50/50 cis/trans)D is 2,2,4,4-Tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol (98/2 cis/trans)E is 2,2,4,4-Tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol (5/95 cis/trans)

As shown in Table 1 and FIG. 1, 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediolis more effective than other comonomers, such ethylene glycol andisophthalic acid, at increasing the crystallization half-time, i.e., thetime required for a polymer to reach half of its maximum crystallinity.By decreasing the crystallization rate of PCT (increasing thecrystallization half-time), amorphous articles based on2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol-modified PCT as described hereinmay be fabricated by methods known in the art. As shown in Table 1,these materials can exhibit higher glass transition temperatures andlower densities than other modified PCT copolyesters.

Preparation of the polyesters shown on Table 1 is described below.

Example 1A

This example illustrates the preparation of a copolyester with a targetcomposition of 80 mol % dimethyl terephthalate residues, 20 mol %dimethyl isophthalate residues, and 100 mol % 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanolresidues (28/72 cis/trans).

A mixture of 56.63 g of dimethyl terephthalate, 55.2 g of1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol, 14.16 g of dimethyl isophthalate, and 0.0419g of dibutyl tin oxide was placed in a 500-milliliter flask equippedwith an inlet for nitrogen, a metal stirrer, and a short distillationcolumn. The flask was placed in a Wood's metal bath already heated to210° C. The stirring speed was set to 200 RPM throughout the experiment.The contents of the flask were heated at 210° C. for 5 minutes and thenthe temperature was gradually increased to 290° C. over 30 minutes. Thereaction mixture was held at 290° C. for 60 minutes and then vacuum wasgradually applied over the next 5 minutes until the pressure inside theflask reached 100 mm of Hg. The pressure inside the flask was furtherreduced to 0.3 mm of Hg over the next 5 minutes. A pressure of 0.3 mm ofHg was maintained for a total time of 90 minutes to remove excessunreacted diols. A high melt viscosity, visually clear and colorlesspolymer was obtained with a glass transition temperature of 87.5° C. andan inherent viscosity of 0.63 dL/g. NMR analysis showed that the polymerwas composed of 100 mol % 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol residues and 20.2mol % dimethyl isophthalate residues.

Example 1B

This example illustrates the preparation of a copolyester with a targetcomposition of 100 mol % dimethyl terephthalate residues, 20 mol %ethylene glycol residues, and 80 mol % 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanolresidues (32/68 cis/trans).

A mixture of 77.68 g of dimethyl terephthalate, 50.77 g of1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol, 27.81 g of ethylene glycol, and 0.0433 g ofdibutyl tin oxide was placed in a 500-milliliter flask equipped with aninlet for nitrogen, a metal stirrer, and a short distillation column.The flask was placed in a Wood's metal bath already heated to 200° C.The stirring speed was set to 200 RPM throughout the experiment. Thecontents of the flask were heated at 200° C. for 60 minutes and then thetemperature was gradually increased to 210° C. over 5 minutes. Thereaction mixture was held at 210° C. for 120 minutes and then heated upto 280° C. in 30 minutes. Once at 280° C., vacuum was gradually appliedover the next 5 minutes until the pressure inside the flask reached 100mm of Hg. The pressure inside the flask was further reduced to 0.3 mm ofHg over the next 10 minutes. A pressure of 0.3 mm of Hg was maintainedfor a total time of 90 minutes to remove excess unreacted diols. A highmelt viscosity, visually clear and colorless polymer was obtained with aglass transition temperature of 87.7° C. and an inherent viscosity of0.71 dL/g. NMR analysis showed that the polymer was composed of 19.8 mol% ethylene glycol residues.

Example 1C

This example illustrates the preparation of a copolyester with a targetcomposition of 100 mol % dimethyl terephthalate residues, 20 mol %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol residues, and 80 mol %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol residues (31/69 cis/trans).

A mixture of 77.68 g of dimethyl terephthalate, 48.46 g of1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol, 17.86 g of2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol, and 0.046 g of dibutyl tinoxide was placed in a 500-milliliter flask equipped with an inlet fornitrogen, a metal stirrer, and a short distillation column. Thispolyester was prepared in a manner similar to that described in Example1A. A high melt viscosity, visually clear and colorless polymer wasobtained with a glass transition temperature of 100.5° C. and aninherent viscosity of 0.73 dL/g. NMR analysis showed that the polymerwas composed of 80.5 mol % 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol residues and 19.5mol % 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol residues.

Example 1D

This example illustrates the preparation of a copolyester with a targetcomposition of 100 mol % dimethyl terephthalate residues, 40 mol %dimethyl isophthalate residues, and 100 mol % 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanolresidues (28/72 cis/trans).

A mixture of 42.83 g of dimethyl terephthalate, 55.26 g of1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol, 28.45 g of dimethyl isophthalate, and 0.0419g of dibutyl tin oxide was placed in a 500-milliliter flask equippedwith an inlet for nitrogen, a metal stirrer, and a short distillationcolumn. The flask was placed in a Wood's metal bath already heated to210° C. The stirring speed was set to 200 RPM throughout the experiment.The contents of the flask were heated at 210° C. for 5 minutes and thenthe temperature was gradually increased to 290° C. over 30 minutes. Thereaction mixture was held at 290° C. for 60 minutes and then vacuum wasgradually applied over the next 5 minutes until the pressure inside theflask reached 100 mm of Hg. The pressure inside the flask was furtherreduced to 0.3 mm of Hg over the next 5 minutes. A pressure of 0.3 mm ofHg was maintained for a total time of 90 minutes to remove excessunreacted diols. A high melt viscosity, visually clear and colorlesspolymer was obtained with a glass transition temperature of 81.2° C. andan inherent viscosity of 0.67 dL/g. NMR analysis showed that the polymerwas composed of 100 mol % 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol residues and 40.2mol % dimethyl isophthalate residues.

Example 1E

This example illustrates the preparation of a copolyester with a targetcomposition of 100 mol % dimethyl terephthalate residues, 40 mol %ethylene glycol residues, and 60 mol % 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanolresidues (31/69 cis/trans).

A mixture of 81.3 g of dimethyl terephthalate, 42.85 g of1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol, 34.44 g of ethylene glycol, and 0.0419 g ofdibutyl tin oxide was placed in a 500-milliliter flask equipped with aninlet for nitrogen, a metal stirrer, and a short distillation column.The flask was placed in a Wood's metal bath already heated to 200° C.The stirring speed was set to 200 RPM throughout the experiment. Thecontents of the flask were heated at 200° C. for 60 minutes and then thetemperature was gradually increased to 210° C. over 5 minutes. Thereaction mixture was held at 210° C. for 120 minutes and then heated upto 280° C. in 30 minutes. Once at 280° C., vacuum was gradually appliedover the next 5 minutes until the pressure inside the flask reached 100mm of Hg. The pressure inside the flask was further reduced to 0.3 mm ofHg over the next 10 minutes. A pressure of 0.3 mm of Hg was maintainedfor a total time of 90 minutes to remove excess unreacted diols. A highmelt viscosity, visually clear and colorless polymer was obtained with aglass transition temperature of 82.1° C. and an inherent viscosity of0.64 dL/g. NMR analysis showed that the polymer was composed of 34.5 mol% ethylene glycol residues.

Example 1F

This example illustrates the preparation of a copolyester with a targetcomposition of 100 mol % dimethyl terephthalate residues, 40 mol %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol residues, and 60 mol %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol residues (31/69 cis/trans).

A mixture of 77.4 g of dimethyl terephthalate, 36.9 g of1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol, 32.5 g of2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol, and 0.046 g of dibutyl tinoxide was placed in a 500-milliliter flask equipped with an inlet fornitrogen, a metal stirrer, and a short distillation column. The flaskwas placed in a Wood's metal bath already heated to 210° C. The stirringspeed was set to 200 RPM throughout the experiment. The contents of theflask were heated at 210° C. for 3 minutes and then the temperature wasgradually increased to 260° C. over 30 minutes. The reaction mixture washeld at 260° C. for 120 minutes and then heated up to 290° C. in 30minutes. Once at 290° C., vacuum was gradually applied over the next 5minutes until the pressure inside the flask reached 100 mm of Hg. Thepressure inside the flask was further reduced to 0.3 mm of Hg over thenext 5 minutes. A pressure of 0.3 mm of Hg was maintained for a totaltime of 90 minutes to remove excess unreacted diols. A high meltviscosity, visually clear and colorless polymer was obtained with aglass transition temperature of 122° C. and an inherent viscosity of0.65 dl/g. NMR analysis showed that the polymer was composed of 59.9 mol% 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol residues and 40.1 mol %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol residues.

Example 1G

This example illustrates the preparation of a copolyester with a targetcomposition of 100 mol % dimethyl terephthalate residues, 20 mol %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol residues (98/2 cis/trans), and80 mol % 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol residues (31/69 cis/trans).

A mixture of 77.68 g of dimethyl terephthalate, 48.46 g of1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol, 20.77 g of2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol, and 0.046 g of dibutyl tinoxide was placed in a 500-milliliter flask equipped with an inlet fornitrogen, a metal stirrer, and a short distillation column. The flaskwas placed in a Wood's metal bath already heated to 210° C. The stirringspeed was set to 200 RPM throughout the experiment. The contents of theflask were heated at 210° C. for 3 minutes and then the temperature wasgradually increased to 260° C. over 30 minutes. The reaction mixture washeld at 260° C. for 120 minutes and then heated up to 290° C. in 30minutes. Once at 290° C., vacuum was gradually applied over the next 5minutes until the pressure inside the flask reached 100 mm of Hg and thestirring speed was also reduced to 100 RPM. The pressure inside theflask was further reduced to 0.3 mm of Hg over the next 5 minutes andthe stirring speed was reduced to 50 RPM. A pressure of 0.3 mm of Hg wasmaintained for a total time of 60 minutes to remove excess unreacteddiols. A high melt viscosity, visually clear and colorless polymer wasobtained with a glass transition temperature of 103° C. and an inherentviscosity of 0.65 dL/g. NMR analysis showed that the polymer wascomposed of 85.7 mol % 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol residues and 14.3 mol %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol residues.

Example 1H

This example illustrates the preparation of a copolyester with a targetcomposition of 100 mol % dimethyl terephthalate residues, 20 mol %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol residues (5/95 cis/trans), and80 mol % 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol residues (31/69 cis/trans).

A mixture of 77.68 g of dimethyl terephthalate, 48.46 g of1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol, 20.77 g of2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol, and 0.046 g of dibutyl tinoxide was placed in a 500-milliliter flask equipped with an inlet fornitrogen, a metal stirrer, and a short distillation column. The flaskwas placed in a Wood's metal bath already heated to 210° C. The stirringspeed was set to 200 RPM at the beginning of the experiment. Thecontents of the flask were heated at 210° C. for 3 minutes and then thetemperature was gradually increased to 260° C. over 30 minutes. Thereaction mixture was held at 260° C. for 120 minutes and then heated upto 290° C. in 30 minutes. Once at 290° C., vacuum was gradually appliedover the next 5 minutes with a set point of 100 mm of Hg and thestirring speed was also reduced to 100 RPM. The pressure inside theflask was further reduced to a set point of 0.3 mm of Hg over the next 5minutes and the stirring speed was reduced to 50 RPM. This pressure wasmaintained for a total time of 60 minutes to remove excess unreacteddiols. It was noted that the vacuum system failed to reach the set pointmentioned above, but produced enough vacuum to produce a high meltviscosity, visually clear and colorless polymer with a glass transitiontemperature of 99° C. and an inherent viscosity of 0.73 dL/g. NMRanalysis showed that the polymer was composed of 85 mol %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol residues and 15 mol %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol residues.

Example 2

This example illustrates that 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediolimproves the toughness of PCT-based copolyesters (polyesters containingterephthalic acid and 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol).

Copolyesters based on 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol wereprepared as described below. The cis/trans ratio of the1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol was approximately 31/69 for all samples.Copolyesters based on ethylene glycol and 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol werecommercial polyesters. The copolyester of Example 2A (Eastar PCTG 5445)was obtained from Eastman Chemical Co. The copolyester of Example 2B wasobtained from Eastman Chemical Co. under the trade name Spectar. Example2C and Example 2D were prepared on a pilot plant scale (each a 15-lbbatch) following an adaptation of the procedure described in Example 1Aand having the inherent viscosities and glass transition temperaturesdescribed in Table 2 below. Example 2C was prepared with a target tinamount of 300 ppm (Dibutyltin Oxide). The final product contained 295ppm tin. The color values for the polyester of Example 2C were L*=77.11;a*=−1.50; and b*=5.79. Example 2D was prepared with a target tin amountof 300 ppm (Dibutyltin Oxide). The final product contained 307 ppm tin.The color values for the polyester of Example 2D were L*=66.72;a*=−1.22; and b*=16.28.

Materials were injection molded into bars and subsequently notched forIzod testing. The notched Izod impact strengths were obtained as afunction of temperature and are also reported in Table 2.

For a given sample, the Izod impact strength undergoes a majortransition in a short temperature span. For instance, the Izod impactstrength of a copolyester based on 38 mol % ethylene glycol undergoesthis transition between 15 and 20° C. This transition temperature isassociated with a change in failure mode; brittle/low energy failures atlower temperatures and ductile/high energy failures at highertemperatures. The transition temperature is denoted as thebrittle-to-ductile transition temperature, T_(bd), and is a measure oftoughness. T_(bd) is reported in Table 2 and plotted against mol %comonomer in FIG. 2.

The data shows that adding 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol toPCT lowers T_(bd) and improves the toughness, as compared to ethyleneglycol, which increases T_(bd) of PCT. TABLE 2 Notched Izod ImpactEnergy (ft-lb/in) Comonomer IV T_(g) T_(bd) at at at at at at at at atat Example (mol %)¹ (dl/g) (° C.) (° C.) at −20° C. −15° C. −10° C. −5°C. 0° C. 5° C. 10° C. 15° C. 20° C. 25° C. 30° C. 2A 38.0% B 0.68 86 18NA NA NA 1.5 NA NA 1.5 1.5 32 32 NA 2B 69.0% B 0.69 82 26 NA NA NA NA NANA 2.1 NA 2.4 13.7 28.7 2C 22.0% C 0.66 106 −5 1.5 NA 12 23   23 NA 23NA NA NA NA 2D 42.8% C 0.60 133 −12 2.5 2.5 11 NA 14 NA NA NA NA NA NA¹The balance of the glycol component of the polyesters in the Table is1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol. All polymers were prepared from 100 mole %dimethyl terephthalate.NA = Not availablewhere:B is Ethylene glycolC is 2,2,4,4-Tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol (50/50 cis/trans)

Example 3

This example illustrates that 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediolcan improve the toughness of PCT-based copolyesters(polyesterscontaining terephthalic acid and 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol).

A copolyester based on dimethyl terephthalate,2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol, and 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanolwas prepared as described below, having the composition and propertiesshown in the table below. The balance up to 100 mol % of the diolcomponent of the polyesters in the table below was1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol (31/69 cis/trans).

The polyester was injection molded into both 3.2 mm and 6.4 mm thickbars and subsequently notched for Izod impact testing. The notched Izodimpact strengths were obtained at 23° C. and are reported in the tablebelow. Density, Tg, and crystallization halftime were measured on themolded bars. Melt viscosity was measured on pellets at 290° C. TABLE 3Compilation of various properties for a polyester useful in theinvention Notched Notched Izod of Izod of 3.2 mm 6.4 mm Melt thick thickCrystallization Viscosity Pellet Molded bars at bars at SpecificHalftime from at 1 rad/sec TMCD % cis IV Bar IV 23° C. 23° C. Gravity Tgmelt at 170° C. at 290° C. Example mole % TMCD (dl/g) (dl/g) (J/m) (J/m)(g/mL) (° C.) (min) (Poise) A 21 NA 0.715 0.692 932 482 1.179 110 566162NA = Not available

Example 3A

21.24 (49.71 gram-mol) dimethyl terephthalate, 12.61 lb (39.77 gram-mol)1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol, and 6.30 lb (19.88 gram-mol)2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol were reacted together in thepresence of 200 ppm of the catalyst butyltin tris(2-ethylhexanoate). Thereaction was carried out under a nitrogen gas purge in an 18-gallonstainless steel pressure vessel fitted with a condensing column, avacuum system, and a HELICONE-type agitator. With the agitator runningat 25 RPM, the reaction mixture temperature was increased to 250° C. andthe pressure was increased to 20 psig. The reaction mixture was held for2 hours at 250° C. and 20 psig pressure. The pressure was then decreasedto 0 psig at a rate of 3 psig/minute. The temperature of the reactionmixture was then increased to 270° C. and the pressure was decreased to90 mm of Hg. After a 1 hour hold time at 270° C. and 90 mm of Hg, theagitator speed was decreased to 15 RPM, the reaction mixture temperaturewas increased to 290° C., and the pressure was decreased to <1 mm of Hg.The reaction mixture was held at 290° C. and at a pressure of <1 mm ofHg for 60 minutes. The pressure of the pressure vessel was thenincreased to 1 atmosphere using nitrogen gas. The molten polymer wasthen extruded from the pressure vessel. The cooled, extruded polymer wasground to pass a 6-mm screen. The polymer had an inherent viscosity of0.715 dL/g and a Tg of 110° C. X-ray analysis showed that the polyesterhad 223 ppm tin. NMR analysis showed that the polymer was composed of78.6 mol % 1,4-cyclohexane-dimethanol residues and 21.4 mol %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol residues. The polymer had colorvalues of: L*=76.45, a*=−1.65, and b*=6.47.

Example 4

This example illustrates that 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediolcan improve the toughness of PCT-based copolyesters(polyesterscontaining terephthalic acid and 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol). Polyestersprepared in this example fall comprise more than 25 to less than 40 mol% of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol residues.

Copolyesters based on dimethyl terephthalate,2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol, and 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol(31/69 cis/trans) were prepared as described below, having thecomposition and properties shown on Table 4. The balance up to 100 mol %of the diol component of the polyesters in Table 4 was1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol (31/69 cis/trans).

Materials were injection molded into both 3.2 mm and 6.4 mm thick barsand subsequently notched for Izod impact testing. The notched Izodimpact strengths were obtained at 23° C. and are reported in Table 4.Density, Tg, and crystallization halftime were measured on the moldedbars. Melt viscosity was measured on pellets at 290° C. TABLE 4Compilation of various properties for certain polyesters useful in theinvention Notched Notched Izod of Izod of 3.2 mm 6.4 mm Melt thick thickCrystallization Viscosity Pellet Molded bars at bars at SpecificHalftime from at 1 rad/sec TMCD % cis IV Bar IV 23° C. 23° C. Gravity Tgmelt at 170° C. at 290° C. Example mole % TMCD (dl/g) (dl/g) (J/m) (J/m)(g/mL) (° C.) (min) (Poise) A 27 47.8 0.714 0.678 877 878 1.178 113 2808312 B 31 NA 0.667 0.641 807 789 1.174 116 600 6592NA = Not available

Example 4A

21.24 lb (49.71 gram-mol) dimethyl terephthalate, 11.82 lb (37.28gram-mol) 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol, and 6.90 lb (21.77 gram-mol)2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol were reacted together in thepresence of 200 ppm of the catalyst butyltin tris(2-ethylhexanoate). Thereaction was carried out under a nitrogen gas purge in an 18-gallonstainless steel pressure vessel fitted with a condensing column, avacuum system, and a HELICONE-type agitator. With the agitator runningat 25 RPM, the reaction mixture temperature was increased to 250° C. andthe pressure was increased to 20 psig. The reaction mixture was held for2 hours at 250° C. and 20 psig pressure. The pressure was then decreasedto 0 psig at a rate of 3 psig/minute. The temperature of the reactionmixture was then increased to 270° C. and the pressure was decreased to90 mm of Hg. After a 1 hour hold time at 270° C. and 90 mm of Hg, theagitator speed was decreased to 15 RPM, the reaction mixture temperaturewas increased to 290° C., and the pressure was decreased to <1 mm of Hg.The reaction mixture was held at 290° C. and at a pressure of <1 mm ofHg until the power draw to the agitator no longer increased (50minutes). The pressure of the pressure vessel was then increased to 1atmosphere using nitrogen gas. The molten polymer was then extruded fromthe pressure vessel. The cooled, extruded polymer was ground to pass a6-mm screen. The polymer had an inherent viscosity of 0.714 dL/g and aTg of 113° C. NMR analysis showed that the polymer was composed of 73.3mol % 1,4-cyclohexane-dimethanol residues and 26.7 mol %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol residues.

Example 4B

The polyester of Example 4B was prepared following a procedure similarto the one described for Example 4A. The composition and properties ofthis polyester are shown in Table 4.

Example 5

This example illustrates that 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediolcan improve the toughness of PCT-based copolyesters(polyesterscontaining terephthalic acid and 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol). Polyestersprepared in this example comprise2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol residues in an amount of 40 mol% or greater.

Copolyesters based on dimethyl terephthalate,2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol, and 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanolwere prepared as described below, having the composition and propertiesshown on Table 5. The balance up to 100 mol % of the diol component ofthe polyesters in Table 5 was 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol (31/69cis/trans).

Materials were injection molded into both 3.2 mm and 6.4 mm thick barsand subsequently notched for Izod impact testing. The notched Izodimpact strengths were obtained at 23° C. and are reported in Table 5.Density, Tg, and crystallization halftime were measured on the moldedbars. Melt viscosity was measured on pellets at 290° C. TABLE 5Compilation of various properties for certain polyesters useful in theinvention Notched Notched Izod of Izod of 3.2 mm 6.4 mm Melt thick thickCrystallization Viscosity Pellet Molded bars at bars at SpecificHalftime from at 1 rad/sec TMCD % cis IV Bar IV 23° C. 23° C. Gravity Tgmelt at 170° C. at 290° C. Example mole % TMCD (dl/g) (dl/g) (J/m) (J/m)(g/mL) (° C.) (min) (Poise) A 44 46.2 0.657 0.626 727 734 1.172 119 NA9751 B 45 NA 0.626 0.580 748 237 1.167 123 NA 8051 C 45 NA 0.582 0.550671 262 1.167 125 19782 5835 D 45 NA 0.541 0.493 424 175 1.167 123 NA3275 E 59 46.6 0.604 0.576 456 311 1.156 139 NA 16537 F 45 47.2 0.4750.450 128 30 1.169 121 NA 1614NA = Not available

Example 5A

21.24 lb (49.71 gram-mol) dimethyl terephthalate, 8.84 lb (27.88gram-mol) 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol, and 10.08 lb (31.77 gram-mol)2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol were reacted together in thepresence of 200 ppm of the catalyst butyltin tris(2-ethylhexanoate). Thereaction was carried out under a nitrogen gas purge in an 18-gallonstainless steel pressure vessel fitted with a condensing column, avacuum system, and a HELICONE-type agitator. With the agitator runningat 25 RPM, the reaction mixture temperature was increased to 250° C. andthe pressure was increased to 20 psig. The reaction mixture was held for2 hours at 250° C. and 20 psig pressure. The pressure was then decreasedto 0 psig at a rate of 3 psig/minute. Then the agitator speed wasdecreased to 15 RPM, the temperature of the reaction mixture was thenincreased to 290° C. and the pressure was decreased to 2 mm of Hg. Thereaction mixture was held at 290° C. and at a pressure of 2 mm of Hguntil the power draw to the agitator no longer increased (80 minutes).The pressure of the pressure vessel was then increased to 1 atmosphereusing nitrogen gas. The molten polymer was then extruded from thepressure vessel. The cooled, extruded polymer was ground to pass a 6-mmscreen. The polymer had an inherent viscosity of 0.657 dL/g and a Tg of119° C. NMR analysis showed that the polymer was composed of 56.3 mol %1,4-cyclohexane-dimethanol residues and 43.7 mol %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol residues. The polymer had colorvalues of: L*=75.04, a*=−1.82, and b*=6.72.

Example 5B to Example 5D

The polyesters described in Example 5B to Example 5D were preparedfollowing a procedure similar to the one described for Example 5A. Thecomposition and properties of these polyesters are shown in Table 5.

Example 5E

21.24 lb (49.71 gram-mol) dimethyl terephthalate, 6.43 lb (20.28gram-mol 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol, and 12.49 lb (39.37 gram-mol)2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol were reacted together in thepresence of 200 ppm of the catalyst butyltin tris(2-ethylhexanoate). Thereaction was carried out under a nitrogen gas purge in an 18-gallonstainless steel pressure vessel fitted with a condensing column, avacuum system, and a HELICONE-type agitator. With the agitator runningat 25 RPM, the reaction mixture temperature was increased to 250° C. andthe pressure was increased to 20 psig. The reaction mixture was held for2 hours at 250° C. and 20 psig pressure. The pressure was then decreasedto 0 psig at a rate of 3 psig/minute. Then the agitator speed wasdecreased to 15 RPM, the temperature of the reaction mixture was thenincreased to 290° C. and the pressure was decreased to 2 mm of Hg. Thereaction mixture was held at 290° C. and at a pressure of <1 mm of Hguntil the power draw to the agitator no longer increased (50 minutes).The pressure of the pressure vessel was then increased to 1 atmosphereusing nitrogen gas. The molten polymer was then extruded from thepressure vessel. The cooled, extruded polymer was ground to pass a 6-mmscreen. The polymer had an inherent viscosity of 0.604 dL/g and a Tg of139° C. NMR analysis showed that the polymer was composed of 40.8 mol %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol residues and 59.2 mol %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol residues. The polymer had colorvalues of: L*=80.48, a*=−1.30, and b*=6.82.

Example 5F

21.24 lb (49.71 gram-mol) dimethyl terephthalate, 8.84 lb (27.88gram-mol) 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol, and 10.08 lb (31.77 gram-mol)2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol were reacted together in thepresence of 200 ppm of the catalyst butyltin tris(2-ethylhexanoate). Thereaction was carried out under a nitrogen gas purge in an 18-gallonstainless steel pressure vessel fitted with a condensing column, avacuum system, and a HELICONE-type agitator. With the agitator runningat 25 RPM, the reaction mixture temperature was increased to 250° C. andthe pressure was increased to 20 psig. The reaction mixture was held for2 hours at 250° C. and 20 psig pressure. The pressure was then decreasedto 0 psig at a rate of 3 psig/minute. The temperature of the reactionmixture was then increased to 270° C. and the pressure was decreased to90 mm of Hg. After a 1 hour hold time at 270° C. and 90 mm of Hg, theagitator speed was decreased to 15 RPM and the pressure was decreased to4 mm of Hg. When the reaction mixture temperature was 270° C. and thepressure was 4 mm of Hg, the pressure of the pressure vessel wasimmediately increased to 1 atmosphere using nitrogen gas. The moltenpolymer was then extruded from the pressure vessel. The cooled, extrudedpolymer was ground to pass a 6-mm screen. The polymer had an inherentviscosity of 0.475 dL/g and a Tg of 121° C. NMR analysis showed that thepolymer was composed of 55.5 mol % 1,4-cyclohexane-dimethanol residuesand 44.5 mol % 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol residues. Thepolymer had color values of: L*=85.63, a*=−0.88, and b*=4.34.

Example 6 Comparative Example

This example shows data for comparative materials in Table 6. The PC wasMakrolon 2608 from Bayer, with a nominal composition of 100 mole %bisphenol A residues and 100 mole % diphenyl carbonate residues.Makrolon 2608 has a nominal melt flow rate of 20 grams/10 minutesmeasured at 300 C using a 1.2 kg weight. The PET was Eastar 9921 fromEastman Chemical Company, with a nominal composition of 100 mole %terephthalic acid, 3.5 mole % cyclohexanedimethanol (CHDM) and 96.5 mole% ethylene glycol. The PETG was Eastar 6763 from Eastman ChemicalCompany, with a nominal composition of 100 mole % terephthalic acid, 31mole % cyclohexanedimethanol (CHDM) and 69 mole % ethylene glycol. ThePCTG was Eastar DN001 from Eastman Chemical Company, with a nominalcomposition of 100 mole % terephthalic acid, 62 mole %cyclohexanedimethanol (CHDM) and 38 mole % ethylene glycol. The PCTA wasEastar AN001 from Eastman Chemical Company, with a nominal compositionof 65 mole % terephthalic acid, 35 mole % isophthalic acid and 100 mole% cyclohexanedimethanol (CHDM). The Polysulfone was Udel 1700 fromSolvay, with a nominal composition of 100 mole % bisphenol A residuesand 100 mole % 4,4-dichlorosulfonyl sulfone residues. Udel 1700 has anominal melt flow rate of 6.5 grams/10 minutes measured at 343 C using a2.16 kg weight. The SAN was Lustran 31 from Lanxess, with a nominalcomposition of 76 weight % styrene and 24 weight % acrylonitrile.Lustran 31 has a nominal melt flow rate of 7.5 grams/10 minutes measuredat 230 C using a 3.8 kg weight. The examples of the invention showimproved toughness in 6.4 mm thickness bars compared to all of the otherresins. TABLE 6 Compilation of various properties for certain commercialpolymers Notched Notched Izod of Izod of 3.2 mm 6.4 mm CrystallizationPellet Molded thick bars thick bars Specific Halftime from Polymer IVBar IV at 23° C. at 23° C. Gravity Tg melt Example name (dl/g) (dl/g)(J/m) (J/m) (g/mL) (° C.) (min) A PC  12 MFR NA 929  108 1.20 146 NA BPCTG 0.73 0.696 NB 70 1.23 87 30 at 170° C. C PCTA 0.72 0.702 98 59 1.2087 15 at 150° C. D PETG 0.75 0.692 83 59 1.27 80 2500 at 130° C.  E PET0.76 0.726 45 48 1.33 78 1.5 at 170° C.  F SAN 7.5 MFR NA 21 NA 1.07˜110 NA G PSU 6.5 MFR NA 69 NA 1.24 ˜190 NANA = Not available

Example 7

This example illustrates the effect of the amount of2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol used for the preparation of thepolyesters of the invention on the glass transition temperature of thepolyesters. Polyesters prepared in this example comprise from 15 to 25mol % of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol residues.

Example 7A to Example 7H

These polyesters were prepared by carrying out the ester exchange andpolycondensation reactions in separate stages. The ester exchangeexperiments were conducted in a continuous temperature rise (CTR)reactor. The CTR was a 3000 ml glass reactor equipped with a singleshaft impeller blade agitator, covered with an electric heating mantleand fitted with a heated packed reflux condenser column. The reactor wascharged with 777 g (4 moles) of dimethyl terephthalate, 230 g (1.6moles) of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3,-cyclobutanediol, 460.8 g (3.2 moles)of cyclohexane dimethanol and 1.12 g of butyltin tris-2-ethylhexanoate(such that there will be 200 ppm tin metal in the final polymer). Theheating mantle was set manually to 100% output. The set points and datacollection were facilitated by a Camile process control system. Once thereactants were melted, stirring was initiated and slowly increased to250 rpm. The temperature of the reactor gradually increased with runtime. The weight of methanol collected was recorded via balance. Thereaction was stopped when methanol evolution stopped or at apre-selected lower temperature of 260° C. The oligomer was dischargedwith a nitrogen purge and cooled to room temperature. The oligomer wasfrozen with liquid nitrogen and broken into pieces small enough to beweighed into a 500 ml round bottom flask.

In the polycondensation reactions, a 500 ml round bottom flask wascharged with approximately 150 g of the oligomer prepared above. Theflask was equipped with a stainless steel stirrer and polymer head. Theglassware was set up on a half mole polymer rig and the Camile sequencewas initiated. The stirrer was positioned one full turn from the flaskbottom once the oligomer melted. The temperature/pressure/stir ratesequence controlled by the Camile software for each example is reportedin the following tables. Camile Sequence for Example 7A and Example 7DTime Temp Vacuum Stir Stage (min) (° C.) (torr) (rpm) 1 5 245 760 0 2 5245 760 50 3 30 265 760 50 4 3 265 90 50 5 110 290 90 50 6 5 290 1 25 7110 290 1 25

Camile Sequence for Example 7B and Example 7C Time Temp Vacuum StirStage (min) (° C.) (torr) (rpm) 1 5 245 760 0 2 5 245 760 50 3 30 265760 50 4 3 265 90 50 5 110 290 90 50 6 5 290 2 25 7 110 290 2 25

Camile Sequence for Example 7E to Example 7H Time Temp Vacuum Stir Stage(min) (° C.) (torr) (rpm) 1 5 245 760 0 2 5 245 760 50 3 30 265 760 50 43 265 90 50 5 110 290 90 50 6 5 290 3 25 7 110 290 3 25

The resulting polymers were recovered from the flask, chopped using ahydraulic chopper, and ground to a 6 mm screen size. Samples of eachground polymer were submitted for inherent viscosity in 60/40 (wt/wt)phenol/tetrachloroethane at a concentration of 0.5 g/100 ml at 25° C.,catalyst level (Sn) by x-ray fluorescence, and color (L*, a*, b*) bytransmission spectroscopy. Polymer composition was obtained by ¹H NMR.Samples were submitted for thermal stability and melt viscosity testingusing a Rheometrics Mechanical Spectrometer (RMS-800).

The table below shows the experimental data for the polyesters of thisexample. The data shows that an increase in the level of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol raises the glass transition temperature in analmost linear fashion, for a constant inherent viscosity. FIG. 3 alsoshows the dependence of Tg on composition and inherent viscosity. TABLE7 Glass transition temperature as a function of inherent viscosity andcomposition IV η_(o) at η_(o) at η_(o) at mol % % cis (dL/ T_(g) 260° C.275° C. 290° C. Example TMCD TMCD g) (° C.) (Poise) (Poise) (Poise) A23.4 52.4 0.73 111 NA NA NA B 23.3 52.9 0.71 111 NA NA NA C 23.3 52.40.74 112 NA NA NA D 23.2 52.5 0.74 112 NA NA NA E 23.1 52.5 0.71 111 NANA NA F 22.8 52.4 0.73 112 NA NA NA G 22.7 53 0.69 112 NA NA NA H 22.752 0.70 111 NA NA NANA = Not available

Example 8

This example illustrates the effect of the amount of2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol used for the preparation of thepolyesters of the invention on the glass transition temperature of thepolyesters. Polyesters prepared in this example fall comprise more than25 to less than 40 mol % of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediolresidues.

Dimethyl terephthalate, 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol, and2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol were weighed into a 500-mlsingle neck round bottom flask. NMR analysis on the2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol starting material showed acis/trans ratio of 53/47. The polyesters of this example were preparedwith a 1.2/1 glycol/acid ratio with the entire excess coming from the2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol. Enough dibutyltin oxidecatalyst was added to give 300 ppm tin in the final polymer. The flaskwas under a 0.2 SCFC nitrogen purge with vacuum reduction capability.The flask was immersed in a Belmont metal bath at 200° C. and stirred at200 RPM after the reactants had melted. After about 2.5 hours, thetemperature was raised to 210° C. and these conditions were held for anadditional 2 hours. The temperature was raised to 285° C. (inapproximately 25 minutes) and the pressure was reduced to 0.3 mm of Hgover a period of 5 minutes. The stirring was reduced as the viscosityincreased, with 15 RPM being the minimum stirring used. The totalpolymerization time was varied to attain the target inherentviscosities. After the polymerization was complete, the Belmont metalbath was lowered and the polymer was allowed to cool to below its glasstransition temperature. After about 30 minutes, the flask was reimmersedin the Belmont metal bath (the temperature had been increased to 295° C.during this 30 minute wait) and the polymer mass was heated until itpulled away from the glass flask. The polymer mass was stirred at midlevel in the flask until the polymer had cooled. The polymer was removedfrom the flask and ground to pass a 3 mm screen. Variations to thisprocedure were made to produce the copolyesters described below with atargeted composition of 32 mol %.

Inherent viscosities were measured as described in the “MeasurementMethods” section above. The compositions of the polyesters weredetermined by ¹H NMR as explained before in the Measurement Methodssection. The glass transition temperatures were determined by DSC, usingthe second heat after quench at a rate of 20° C./min.

The table below shows the experimental data for the polyesters of thisexample. FIG. 3 also shows the dependence of Tg on composition andinherent viscosity. The data shows that an increase in the level of2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol raises the glass transitiontemperature in an almost linear fashion, for a constant inherentviscosity. TABLE 8 Glass transition temperature as a function ofinherent viscosity and composition IV η_(o) at η_(o) at η_(o) at mol % %cis (dL/ T_(g) 260° C. 275° C. 290° C. Example TMCD TMCD g) (° C.)(Poise) (Poise) (Poise) A 32.2 51.9 0.71 118 29685 16074 8522 B 31.651.5 0.55 112 5195 2899 2088 C 31.5 50.8 0.62 112 8192 4133 2258 D 30.750.7 0.54 111 4345 2434 1154 E 30.3 51.2 0.61 111 7929 4383 2261 F 30.051.4 0.74 117 31476 17864 8630 G 29.0 51.5 0.67 112 16322 8787 4355NA = Not available

Example 9

This example illustrates the effect of the amount of2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol used for the preparation of thepolyesters of the invention on the glass transition temperature of thepolyesters. Polyesters prepared in this example comprise2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol residues in an amount of 40 mol% or greater.

Examples A to AC

These polyesters were prepared by carrying out the ester exchange andpolycondensation reactions in separate stages. The ester exchangeexperiments were conducted in a continuous temperature rise (CTR)reactor. The CTR was a 3000 ml glass reactor equipped with a singleshaft impeller blade agitator, covered with an electric heating mantleand fitted with a heated packed reflux condenser column. The reactor wascharged with 777 g of dimethyl terephthalate, 375 g of2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3,-cyclobutanediol, 317 g of cyclohexanedimethanol and 1.12 g of butyltin tris-2-ethylhexanoate (such that therewill be 200 ppm tin metal in the final polymer). The heating mantle wasset manually to 100% output. The set points and data collection werefacilitated by a Camile process control system. Once the reactants weremelted, stirring was initiated and slowly increased to 250 rpm. Thetemperature of the reactor gradually increased with run time. The weightof methanol collected was recorded via balance. The reaction was stoppedwhen methanol evolution stopped or at a pre-selected lower temperatureof 260° C. The oligomer was discharged with a nitrogen purge and cooledto room temperature. The oligomer was frozen with liquid nitrogen andbroken into pieces small enough to be weighed into a 500 ml round bottomflask.

In the polycondensation reactions, a 500 ml round bottom flask wascharged with 150 g of the oligomer prepared above. The flask wasequipped with a stainless steel stirrer and polymer head. The glasswarewas set up on a half mole polymer rig and the Camile sequence wasinitiated. The stirrer was positioned one full turn from the flaskbottom once the oligomer melted. The temperature/pressure/stir ratesequence controlled by the Camile software for these examples isreported in the following table, unless otherwise specified below.Camile Sequence for Polycondensation Reactions Vacuum Stage Time (min)Temp (° C.) (torr) Stir (rpm) 1 5 245 760 0 2 5 245 760 50 3 30 265 76050 4 3 265 90 50 5 110 290 90 50 6 5 290 6 25 7 110 290 6 25

Camile Sequence for Examples A, C, R, Y, AB, AC Vacuum Stir Stage Time(min) Temp (° C.) (torr) (rpm) 1 5 245 760 0 2 5 245 760 50 3 30 265 76050 4 3 265 90 50 5 110 290 90 50 6 5 290 6 25 7 110 290 6 25

For Examples B, D, F, the same sequence in the preceding table was used,except the time was 80 min in Stage 7. For Examples G and J, the samesequence in the preceding table was used, except the time was 50 min inStage 7. For Example L, the same sequence in the preceding table wasused, except the time was 140 min in Stage 7. Camile Sequence forExample E Vacuum Stir Stage Time (min) Temp (° C.) (torr) (rpm) 1 5 245760 0 2 5 245 760 50 3 30 265 760 50 4 3 265 90 50 5 110 300 90 50 6 5300 7 25 7 110 300 7 25

For Example I, the same sequence in the preceding table was used, exceptthe vacuum was 8 torr in Stages 6 and 7. For Example 0, the samesequence in the preceding table was used, except the vacuum was 6 torrin stages 6 and 7. For Example P, the same sequence in the precedingtable was used, except the vacuum was 4 torr in Stages 6 and 7. ForExample Q, the same sequence in the preceding table was used, except thevacuum was 5 torr in Stages 6 and 7. Camile Sequence for Example HVacuum Stir Stage Time (min) Temp (° C.) (torr) (rpm) 1 5 245 760 0 2 5245 760 50 3 30 265 760 50 4 3 265 90 50 5 110 280 90 50 6 5 280 5 25 7110 280 5 25

For Example U and AA, the same sequence in the preceding table was used,except the vacuum was 6 torr in Stages 6 and 7. For Example V and X, thesame sequence in the preceding table was used, except the vacuum was 6torr and stir rate was 15 rpm in Stages 6 and 7. For Example Z, the samesequence in the preceding table was used, except the stir rate was 15rpm in Stages 6 and 7. Camile Sequence for Example K Vacuum Stir StageTime (min) Temp (° C.) (torr) (rpm) 1 5 245 760 0 2 5 245 760 50 3 30265 760 50 4 3 265 90 50 5 110 300 90 50 6 5 300 6 15 7 110 300 6 15

For Example M, the same sequence in the preceding table was used, exceptthe vacuum was 8 torr in Stages 6 and 7. For Example N, the samesequence in the preceding table was used, except the vacuum was 7 torrin Stages 6 and 7. Camile Sequence for Examples S and T Vacuum StirStage Time (min) Temp (° C.) (torr) (rpm) 1 5 245 760 0 2 5 245 760 50 330 265 760 50 4 5 290 6 25 5 110 290 6 25

The resulting polymers were recovered from the flask, chopped using ahydraulic chopper, and ground to a 6 mm screen size. Samples of eachground polymer were submitted for inherent viscosity in 60/40 (wt/wt)phenol/tetrachloroethane at a concentration of 0.5 g/100 ml at 25° C.,catalyst level (Sn) by x-ray fluorescence, and color (L*, a*, b*) bytransmission spectroscopy. Polymer composition was obtained by ¹H NMR.Samples were submitted for thermal stability and melt viscosity testingusing a Rheometrics Mechanical Spectrometer (RMS-800).

Examples AD to AK and AS

The polyesters of these examples were prepared as described above forExamples A to AC, except that the target tin amount in the final polymerwas 150 ppm for examples AD to AK and AS. The following tables describethe temperature/pressure/stir rate sequences controlled by the Camilesoftware for these examples. Camile Sequence for Examples AD, AF, and AHVacuum Stir Stage Time (min) Temp (° C.) (torr) (rpm) 1 5 245 760 0 2 5245 760 50 3 30 265 760 50 4 3 265 400 50 5 110 290 400 50 6 5 290 8 507 110 295 8 50

For Example AD, the stirrer was turned to 25 rpm with 95 min left inStage 7. Camile Sequence for Example AE Vacuum Stir Stage Time (min)Temp (° C.) (torr) (rpm) 1 10 245 760 0 2 5 245 760 50 3 30 283 760 50 43 283 175 50 5 5 283 5 50 6 5 283 1.2 50 7 71 285 1.2 50

For Example AK, the same sequence in the preceding table was used,except the time was 75 min in Stage 7. Camile Sequence for Example AGVacuum Stir Stage Time (min) Temp (° C.) (torr) (rpm) 1 10 245 760 0 2 5245 760 50 3 30 285 760 50 4 3 285 175 50 5 5 285 5 50 6 5 285 4 50 7220 290 4 50

Camile Sequence for Example AI Vacuum Stir Stage Time (min) Temp (° C.)(torr) (rpm) 1 5 245 760 0 2 5 245 760 50 3 30 265 760 50 4 3 265 90 505 110 285 90 50 6 5 285 6 50 7 70 290 6 50

Camile Sequence for Example AJ Vacuum Stir Stage Time (min) Temp (° C.)(torr) (rpm) 1 5 245 760 0 2 5 245 760 50 3 30 265 760 50 4 3 265 90 505 110 290 90 50 6 5 290 6 25 7 110 295 6 25

Examples AL to AR

Dimethyl terephthalate, 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol, and2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol were weighed into a 500-mlsingle neck round bottom flask. The polyesters of this example wereprepared with a 1.2/1 glycol/acid ratio with the entire excess comingfrom the 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol. Enough dibutyltinoxide catalyst was added to give 300 ppm tin in the final polymer. Theflask was under a 0.2 SCFC nitrogen purge with vacuum reductioncapability. The flask was immersed in a Belmont metal bath at 200° C.and stirred at 200 RPM after the reactants had melted. After about 2.5hours, the temperature was raised to 210° C. and these conditions wereheld for an additional 2 hours. The temperature was raised to 285° C.(in approximately 25 minutes) and the pressure was reduced to 0.3 mm ofHg over a period of 5 minutes. The stirring was reduced as the viscosityincreased, with 15 RPM being the minimum stirring used. The totalpolymerization time was varied to attain the target inherentviscosities. After the polymerization was complete, the Belmont metalbath was lowered and the polymer was allowed to cool to below its glasstransition temperature. After about 30 minutes, the flask was reimmersedin the Belmont metal bath (the temperature had been increased to 295° C.during this 30 minute wait) and the polymer mass was heated until itpulled away from the glass flask. The polymer mass was stirred at midlevel in the flask until the polymer had cooled. The polymer was removedfrom the flask and ground to pass a 3 mm screen. Variations to thisprocedure were made to produce the copolyesters described below with atargeted composition of 45 mol %.

Inherent viscosities were measured as described in the “MeasurementMethods” section above. The compositions of the polyesters weredetermined by ¹H NMR as explained before in the Measurement Methodssection. The glass transition temperatures were determined by DSC, usingthe second heat after quench at a rate of 20° C./min.

The table below shows the experimental data for the polyesters of thisexample. The data shows that an increase in the level of2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol raises the glass transitiontemperature in an almost linear fashion, for a constant inherentviscosity. FIG. 3 also shows the dependence of Tg on composition andinherent viscosity. TABLE 9 Glass transition temperature as a functionof inherent viscosity and composition IV η_(o) at η_(o) at η_(o) at mol% % cis (dL/ T_(g) 260° C. 275° C. 290° C. Example TMCD TMCD g) (° C.)(Poise) (Poise) (Poise) A 43.9 72.1 0.46 131 NA NA NA B 44.2 36.4 0.49118 NA NA NA C 44 71.7 0.49 128 NA NA NA D 44.3 36.3 0.51 119 NA NA NA E46.1 46.8 0.51 125 NA NA NA F 43.6 72.1 0.52 128 NA NA NA G 43.6 72.30.54 127 NA NA NA H 46.4 46.4 0.54 127 NA NA NA I 45.7 47.1 0.55 125 NANA NA J 44.4 35.6 0.55 118 NA NA NA K 45.2 46.8 0.56 124 NA NA NA L 43.872.2 0.56 129 NA NA NA M 45.8 46.4 0.56 124 NA NA NA N 45.1 47.0 0.57125 NA NA NA O 45.2 46.8 0.57 124 NA NA NA P 45 46.7 0.57 125 NA NA NA Q45.1 47.1 0.58 127 NA NA NA R 44.7 35.4 0.59 123 NA NA NA S 46.1 46.40.60 127 NA NA NA T 45.7 46.8 0.60 129 NA NA NA U 46 46.3 0.62 128 NA NANA V 45.9 46.3 0.62 128 NA NA NA X 45.8 46.1 0.63 128 NA NA NA Y 45.650.7 0.63 128 NA NA NA Z 46.2 46.8 0.65 129 NA NA NA AA 45.9 46.2 0.66128 NA NA NA AB 45.2 46.4 0.66 128 NA NA NA AC 45.1 46.5 0.68 129 NA NANA AD 46.3 52.4 0.52 NA NA NA NA AE 45.7 50.9 0.54 NA NA NA NA AF 46.352.6 0.56 NA NA NA NA AG 46 50.6 0.56 NA NA NA NA AH 46.5 51.8 0.57 NANA NA NA AI 45.6 51.2 0.58 NA NA NA NA AJ 46 51.9 0.58 NA NA NA NA AK45.5 51.2 0.59 NA NA NA NA AL 45.8 50.1 0.624 125 NA NA 7696 AM 45.749.4 0.619 128 NA NA 7209 AN 46.2 49.3 0.548 124 NA NA 2348 AP 45.9 49.50.72 128 76600 40260 19110 AQ 46.0 50 0.71 131 68310 32480 17817 AR 46.149.6 0.383 117 NA NA 387 AS 47.2 NA 0.48 NA NA NA NANA = Not available

Example 10

This example illustrates the effect of the predominance of the type of2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol isomer (cis or trans) on theglass transition temperature of the polyester.

Dimethyl terephthalate, 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol, and2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol were weighed into a 500-mlsingle neck round bottom flask. The polyesters of this example wereprepared with a 1.2/1 glycol/acid ratio with the entire excess comingfrom the 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol. Enough dibutyltinoxide catalyst was added to give 300 ppm tin in the final polymer. Theflask was under a 0.2 SCFC nitrogen purge with vacuum reductioncapability. The flask was immersed in a Belmont metal bath at 200° C.and stirred at 200 RPM after the reactants had melted. After about 2.5hours, the temperature was raised to 210° C. and these conditions wereheld for an additional 2 hours. The temperature was raised to 285° C.(in approximately 25 minutes) and the pressure was reduced to 0.3 mm ofHg over a period of 5 minutes. The stirring was reduced as the viscosityincreased, with 15 RPM being the minimum stirring used. The totalpolymerization time was varied to attain the target inherentviscosities. After the polymerization was complete, the Belmont metalbath was lowered and the polymer was allowed to cool to below its glasstransition temperature. After about 30 minutes, the flask was reimmersedin the Belmont metal bath (the temperature had been increased to 295° C.during this 30 minute wait) and the polymer mass was heated until itpulled away from the glass flask. The polymer mass was stirred at midlevel in the flask until the polymer had cooled. The polymer was removedfrom the flask and ground to pass a 3 mm screen. Variations to thisprocedure were made to produce the copolyesters described below with atargeted composition of 45 mol %.

Inherent viscosities were measured as described in the “MeasurementMethods” section above. The compositions of the polyesters weredetermined by ¹H NMR as explained before in the Measurement Methodssection. The glass transition temperatures were determined by DSC, usingthe second heat after quench at a rate of 20° C./min.

The table below shows the experimental data for the polyesters of thisExample. The data shows that cis 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediolis aproximately twice as effective as trans2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol at increasing the glasstransition temperature for a constant inherent viscosity. TABLE 10Effect of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol cis/trans compositionon T_(g) η_(o) at η_(o) at η_(o) at Ex- mol % IV T_(g) 260° C. 275° C.290° C. % cis ample TMCD (dL/g) (° C.) (Poise) (Poise) (Poise) TMCD A45.8 0.71 119 N.A. N.A. N.A. 4.1 B 43.2 0.72 122 N.A. N.A. N.A. 22.0 C46.8 0.57 119 26306 16941 6601 22.8 D 43.0 0.67 125 55060 36747 1441023.8 E 43.8 0.72 127 101000 62750 25330 24.5 F 45.9 0.533 119 11474 68642806 26.4 G 45.0 0.35 107 N.A. N.A. N.A. 27.2 H 41.2 0.38 106 1214 757N.A. 29.0 I 44.7 0.59 123 N.A. N.A. N.A. 35.4 J 44.4 0.55 118 N.A. N.A.N.A. 35.6 K 44.3 0.51 119 N.A. N.A. N.A. 36.3 L 44.0 0.49 128 N.A. N.A.N.A. 71.7 M 43.6 0.52 128 N.A. N.A. N.A. 72.1 N 43.6 0.54 127 N.A. N.A.N.A. 72.3 O 41.5 0.58 133 15419 10253 4252 88.7 P 43.8 0.57 135 1621910226 4235 89.6 Q 41.0 0.33 120 521 351 2261 90.4 R 43.0 0.56 134 N.A.N.A. N.A. 90.6 S 43.0 0.49 132 7055 4620 2120 90.6 T 43.1 0.55 134 129708443 3531 91.2 U 45.9 0.52 137 N.A. N.A. N.A. 98.1NA = not available

Example 11

This example illustrates the preparation of a copolyester containing 100mol % dimethyl terephthalate residues, 55 mol %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol residues, and 45 mol %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol residues.

A mixture of 97.10 g (0.5 mol) dimethyl terephthalate, 52.46 g (0.36mol) 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol, 34.07 g (0.24 mol)2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol, and 0.0863 g (300 ppm) dibutyltin oxide was placed in a 500-milliliter flask equipped with an inletfor nitrogen, a metal stirrer, and a short distillation column. Theflask was placed in a Wood's metal bath already heated to 200° C. Thecontents of the flask were heated at 200° C. for 1 hour and then thetemperature was increased to 210° C. The reaction mixture was held at210° C. for 2 hours and then heated up to 290° C. in 30 minutes. Once at290° C., a vacuum of 0.01 psig was gradually applied over the next 3 to5 minutes. Full vacuum (0.01 psig) was maintained for a total time ofabout 45 minutes to remove excess unreacted diols. A high meltviscosity, visually clear and colorless polymer was obtained with aglass transition temperature of 125° C. and an inherent viscosity of0.64 dL/g.

Example 12 Comparative Example

This example illustrates that a polyester based on 100%2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol has a slow crystallizationhalf-time.

A polyester based solely on terephthalic acid and2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol was prepared in a method similarto the method described in Example 1A with the properties shown on Table11. This polyester was made with 300 ppm dibutyl tin oxide. Thetrans/cis ratio of the 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol was65/35.

Films were pressed from the ground polymer at 320° C. Crystallizationhalf-time measurements from the melt were made at temperatures from 220to 250° C. at 10° C. increments and are reported in Table 11. Thefastest crystallization half-time for the sample was taken as theminimum value of crystallization half-time as a function of temperature.The fastest crystallization half-time of this polyester is around 1300minutes. This value contrasts with the fact that the polyester (PCT)based solely on terephthalic acid and 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol (nocomonomer modification) has an extremely short crystallization half-time(<1 min) as shown in FIG. 1. TABLE 11 Crystallization Half-times (min)at at at at Comonomer IV T_(g) T_(max) 220° C. 230° C. 240° C. 250° C.(mol %) (dl/g) (° C.) (° C.) (min) (min) (min) (min) 100 mol %F 0.63170.0 330 3291 3066 1303 1888where:F is 2,2,4,4-Tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol (65/35 Trans/Cis)

Example 13

Sheets comprising polyesters of the invention can be prepared in amanner similar to the procedure described below.

Sheets comprising a polyester that had been prepared with a targetcomposition of 100 mole % terephthalic acid residues, 80 mole %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol residues, and 20 mole %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol residues were produced using a3.5 inch single screw extruder. A sheet was extruded continuously,gauged to a thickness of 177 mil and then various sheets were sheared tosize. Inherent viscosity and glass transition temperature were measuredon one sheet. The sheet inherent viscosity was measured to be 0.69 dL/g.The glass transition temperature of the sheet was measured to be 106° C.Sheets were then conditioned at 50% relative humidity and 60° C. for 2weeks. Sheets were subsequently thermoformed into a female mold having adraw ratio of 2.5:1 using a Brown thermoforming machine. Thethermoforming oven heaters were set to 70/60/60% output using top heatonly. Sheets were left in the oven for various amounts of time in orderto determine the effect of sheet temperature on the part quality asshown in the table below. Part quality was determined by measuring thevolume of the thermoformed part, calculating the draw, and visuallyinspecting the thermoformed part. The draw was calculated as the partvolume divided by the maximum part volume achieved in this set ofexperiments (Example G). The thermoformed part was visually inspectedfor any blisters and the degree of blistering rated as none (N), low(L), or high (H). The results below demonstrate that these thermoplasticsheets with a glass transition temperature of 106° C. can bethermoformed under the conditions shown below, as evidenced by thesesheets having at least 95% draw and no blistering, without predrying thesheets prior to thermoforming. Thermoforming Conditions Part QualitySheet Part Heat Time Temperature Volume Blisters Example (s) (° C.) (mL)Draw (%) (N, L, H) A 86 145 501 64 N B 100 150 500 63 N C 118 156 672 85N D 135 163 736 94 N E 143 166 760 97 N F 150 168 740 94 L G 159 172 787100 L

Example 14

Sheets comprising polyesters of the invention can be prepared in amanner similar to the procedure described below.

Sheets comprising a polyester that had been prepared with a targetcomposition of 100 mole % terephthalic acid residues, 80 mole %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol residues, and 20 mole %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol residues were produced using a3.5 inch single screw. A sheet was extruded continuously, gauged to athickness of 177 mil and then various sheets were sheared to size.Inherent viscosity and glass transition temperature were measured on onesheet. The sheet inherent viscosity was measured to be 0.69 dL/g. Theglass transition temperature of the sheet was measured to be 106° C.Sheets were then conditioned at 100% relative humidity and 25° C. for 2weeks. Sheets were subsequently thermoformed into a female mold having adraw ratio of 2.5:1 using a Brown thermoforming machine. Thethermoforming oven heaters were set to 60/40/40% output using top heatonly. Sheets were left in the oven for various amounts of time in orderto determine the effect of sheet temperature on the part quality asshown in the table below. Part quality was determined by measuring thevolume of the thermoformed part, calculating the draw, and visuallyinspecting the thermoformed part. The draw was calculated as the partvolume divided by the maximum part volume achieved in this set ofexperiments (Example G). The thermoformed part was visually inspectedfor any blisters and the degree of blistering rated as none (N), low(L), or high (H). The results below demonstrate that these thermoplasticsheets with a glass transition temperature of 106° C. can bethermoformed under the conditions shown below, as evidenced by theproduction of sheets having at least 95% draw and no blistering, withoutpredrying the sheets prior to thermoforming. Thermoforming ConditionsPart Quality Sheet Part Heat Time Temperature Volume Blisters Example(s) (° C.) (mL) Draw (%) (N, L, H) A 141 154 394 53 N B 163 157 606 82 NC 185 160 702 95 N D 195 161 698 95 N E 215 163 699 95 L F 230 168 70596 L G 274 174 737 100 H H 275 181 726 99 H

Example 15 Comparative Example

Sheets consisting of Kelvx 201 were produced using a 3.5 inch singlescrew extruder. Kelvx is a blend consisting of 69.85% PCTG (Eastar fromEastman Chemical Co. having 100 mole % terephthalic acid residues, 62mole % 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol residues, and 38 mole % ethylene glycolresidues); 30% PC (bisphenol A polycarbonate); and 0.15% Weston 619(stabilizer sold by Crompton Corporation). A sheet was extrudedcontinuously, gauged to a thickness of 177 mil and then various sheetswere sheared to size. The glass transition temperature was measured onone sheet and was 100° C. Sheets were then conditioned at 50% relativehumidity and 60° C. for 2 weeks. Sheets were subsequently thermoformedinto a female mold having a draw ratio of 2.5:1 using a Brownthermoforming machine. The thermoforming oven heaters were set to70/60/60% output using top heat only. Sheets were left in the oven forvarious amounts of time in order to determine the effect of sheettemperature on the part quality as shown in the table below. Partquality was determined by measuring the volume of the thermoformed part,calculating the draw, and visually inspecting the thermoformed part. Thedraw was calculated as the part volume divided by the maximum partvolume achieved in this set of experiments (Example E). The thermoformedpart was visually inspected for any blisters and the degree ofblistering rated as none (N), low (L), or high (H). The results belowdemonstrate that these thermoplastic sheets with a glass transitiontemperature of 100° C. can be thermoformed under the conditions shownbelow, as evidenced by the production of sheets having at least 95% drawand no blistering, without predrying the sheets prior to thermoforming.Thermoforming Conditions Part Quality Sheet Part Heat Time TemperatureVolume Blisters Example (s) (° C.) (mL) Draw (%) (N, L, H) A 90 146 58275 N B 101 150 644 83 N C 111 154 763 98 N D 126 159 733 95 N E 126 159775 100 N F 141 165 757 98 N G 148 168 760 98 L

Example 16 Comparative Example

Sheets consisting of Kelvx 201 were produced using a 3.5 inch singlescrew extruder. A sheet was extruded continuously, gauged to a thicknessof 177 mil and then various sheets were sheared to size. The glasstransition temperature was measured on one sheet and was 100° C. Sheetswere then conditioned at 100% relative humidity and 25° C. for 2 weeks.Sheets were subsequently thermoformed into a female mold having a drawratio of 2.5:1 using a Brown thermoforming machine. The thermoformingoven heaters were set to 60/40/40% output using top heat only. Sheetswere left in the oven for various amounts of time in order to determinethe effect of sheet temperature on the part quality as shown in thetable below. Part quality was determined by measuring the volume of thethermoformed part, calculating the draw, and visually inspecting thethermoformed part. The draw was calculated as the part volume divided bythe maximum part volume achieved in this set of experiments (Example H).The thermoformed part was visually inspected for any blisters and thedegree of blistering rated as none (N), low (L), or high (H). Theresults below demonstrate that these thermoplastic sheets with a glasstransition temperature of 100° C. can be thermoformed under theconditions shown below, as evidenced by the production of sheets havinggreater than 95% draw and no blistering, without predrying the sheetsprior to thermoforming. Thermoforming Conditions Part Quality Sheet PartHeat Time Temperature Volume Blisters Example (s) (° C.) (mL) Draw (%)(N, L, H) A 110 143 185 25 N B 145 149 529 70 N C 170 154 721 95 N D 175156 725 96 N E 185 157 728 96 N F 206 160 743 98 L G 253 NR 742 98 H H261 166 756 100 HNR = Not recorded

Example 17 Comparative Example

Sheets consisting of PCTG 25976 (100 mole % terephthalic acid residues,62 mole % 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol residues, and 38 mole % ethyleneglycol residues) were produced using a 3.5 inch single screw extruder. Asheet was extruded continuously, gauged to a thickness of 118 mil andthen various sheets were sheared to size. The glass transitiontemperature was measured on one sheet and was 87° C. Sheets were thenconditioned at 50% relative humidity and 60° C. for 4 weeks. Themoisture level was measured to be 0.17 wt %. Sheets were subsequentlythermoformed into a female mold having a draw ratio of 2.5:1 using aBrown thermoforming machine. The thermoforming oven heaters were set to70/60/60% output using top heat only. Sheets were left in the oven forvarious amounts of time in order to determine the effect of sheettemperature on the part quality as shown in the table below. Partquality was determined by measuring the volume of the thermoformed part,calculating the draw, and visually inspecting the thermoformed part. Thedraw was calculated as the part volume divided by the maximum partvolume achieved in this set of experiments (Example A). The thermoformedpart was visually inspected for any blisters and the degree ofblistering rated as none (N), low (L), or high (H). The results belowdemonstrate that these thermoplastic sheets with a glass transitiontemperature of 87° C. can be thermoformed under the conditions shownbelow, as evidenced by the production of sheets having greater than 95%draw and no blistering, without predrying the sheets prior tothermoforming. Thermoforming Conditions Part Quality Sheet Part HeatTime Temperature Volume Blisters Example (s) (° C.) (mL) Draw (%) (N, L,H) A 102 183 816 100 N B 92 171 811 99 N C 77 160 805 99 N D 68 149 80499 N E 55 143 790 97 N F 57 138 697 85 N

Example 18 Comparative Example

A miscible blend consisting of 20 wt % Teijin L-1250 polycarbonate (abisphenol-A polycarbonate), 79.85 wt % PCTG 25976, and 0.15 wt % Weston619 was produced using a 1.25 inch single screw extruder. Sheetsconsisting of the blend were then produced using a 3.5 inch single screwextruder. A sheet was extruded continuously, gauged to a thickness of118 mil and then various sheets were sheared to size. The glasstransition temperature was measured on one sheet and was 94° C. Sheetswere then conditioned at 50% relative humidity and 60° C. for 4 weeks.The moisture level was measured to be 0.25 wt %. Sheets weresubsequently thermoformed into a female mold having a draw ratio of2.5:1 using a Brown thermoforming machine. The thermoforming ovenheaters were set to 70/60/60% output using top heat only. Sheets wereleft in the oven for various amounts of time in order to determine theeffect of sheet temperature on the part quality as shown in the tablebelow. Part quality was determined by measuring the volume of thethermoformed part, calculating the draw, and visually inspecting thethermoformed part. The draw was calculated as the part volume divided bythe maximum part volume achieved in this set of experiments (Example A).The thermoformed part was visually inspected for any blisters and thedegree of blistering rated as none (N), low (L), or high (H). Theresults below demonstrate that these thermoplastic sheets with a glasstransition temperature of 94° C. can be thermoformed under theconditions shown below, as evidenced by the production of sheets havinggreater than 95% draw and no blistering, without predrying the sheetsprior to thermoforming. Thermoforming Conditions Part Quality Sheet PartHeat Time Temperature Volume Blisters Example (s) (° C.) (mL) Draw (%)(N, L, H) A 92 184 844 100 H B 86 171 838 99 N C 73 160 834 99 N D 58143 787 93 N E 55 143 665 79 N

Example 19 Comparative Example

A miscible blend consisting of 30 wt % Teijin L-1250 polycarbonate,69.85 wt % PCTG 25976, and 0.15 wt % Weston 619 was produced using a1.25 inch single screw extruder. Sheets consisting of the blend werethen produced using a 3.5 inch single screw extruder. A sheet wasextruded continuously, gauged to a thickness of 118 mil and then varioussheets were sheared to size. The glass transition temperature wasmeasured on one sheet and was 99° C. Sheets were then conditioned at 50%relative humidity and 60° C. for 4 weeks. The moisture level wasmeasured to be 0.25 wt %. Sheets were subsequently thermoformed into afemale mold having a draw ratio of 2.5:1 using a Brown thermoformingmachine. The thermoforming oven heaters were set to 70/60/60% outputusing top heat only. Sheets were left in the oven for various amounts oftime in order to determine the effect of sheet temperature on the partquality as shown in the table below. Part quality was determined bymeasuring the volume of the thermoformed part, calculating the draw, andvisually inspecting the thermoformed part. The draw was calculated asthe part volume divided by the maximum part volume achieved in this setof experiments (Example A). The thermoformed part was visually inspectedfor any blisters and the degree of blistering rated as none (N), low(L), or high (H). The results below demonstrate that these thermoplasticsheets with a glass transition temperature of 99° C. can be thermoformedunder the conditions shown below, as evidenced by the production ofsheets having greater than 95% draw and no blistering, without predryingthe sheets prior to thermoforming. Thermoforming Conditions Part QualitySheet Part Heat Time Temperature Volume Blisters Example (s) (° C.) (mL)Draw (%) (N, L, H) A 128 194 854 100 H B 98 182 831 97 L C 79 160 821 96N D 71 149 819 96 N E 55 145 785 92 N F 46 143 0 0 NA G 36 132 0 0 NANA = not applicable.A value of zero indicates that the sheet was not formed because it didnot pull into the mold (likely because it was too cold).

Example 20 Comparative Example

A miscible blend consisting of 40 wt % Teijin L-1250 polycarbonate,59.85 wt % PCTG 25976, and 0.15 wt % Weston 619 was produced using a1.25 inch single screw extruder. Sheets consisting of the blend werethen produced using a 3.5 inch single screw extruder. A sheet wasextruded continuously, gauged to a thickness of 118 mil and then varioussheets were sheared to size. The glass transition temperature wasmeasured on one sheet and was 105° C. Sheets were then conditioned at50% relative humidity and 60° C. for 4 weeks. The moisture level wasmeasured to be 0.265 wt %. Sheets were subsequently thermoformed into afemale mold having a draw ratio of 2.5:1 using a Brown thermoformingmachine. The thermoforming oven heaters were set to 70/60/60% outputusing top heat only. Sheets were left in the oven for various amounts oftime in order to determine the effect of sheet temperature on the partquality as shown in the table below. Part quality was determined bymeasuring the volume of the thermoformed part, calculating the draw, andvisually inspecting the thermoformed part. The draw was calculated asthe part volume divided by the maximum part volume achieved in this setof experiments (Examples 8A to 8E). The thermoformed part was visuallyinspected for any blisters and the degree of blistering rated as none(N), low (L), or high (H). The results below demonstrate that thesethermoplastic sheets with a glass transition temperature of 105° C. canbe thermoformed under the conditions shown below, as evidenced by theproduction of sheets having greater than 95% draw and no blistering,without predrying the sheets prior to thermoforming. ThermoformingConditions Part Quality Sheet Part Heat Time Temperature Volume BlistersExample (s) (° C.) (mL) Draw (%) (N, L, H) A 111 191 828 100 H B 104 182828 100 H C 99 179 827 100 N D 97 177 827 100 N E 78 160 826 100 N F 68149 759 92 N G 65 143 606 73 N

Example 21 Comparative Example

A miscible blend consisting of 50 wt % Teijin L-1250 polycarbonate,49.85 wt % PCTG 25976, and 0.15 wt % Weston 619 was produced using a1.25 inch single screw extruder. A sheet was extruded continuously,gauged to a thickness of 118 mil and then various sheets were sheared tosize. The glass transition temperature was measured on one sheet and was111° C. Sheets were then conditioned at 50% relative humidity and 60° C.for 4 weeks. The moisture level was measured to be 0.225 wt %. Sheetswere subsequently thermoformed into a female mold having a draw ratio of2.5:1 using a Brown thermoforming machine. The thermoforming ovenheaters were set to 70/60/60% output using top heat only. Sheets wereleft in the oven for various amounts of time in order to determine theeffect of sheet temperature on the part quality as shown in the tablebelow. Part quality was determined by measuring the volume of thethermoformed part, calculating the draw, and visually inspecting thethermoformed part. The draw was calculated as the part volume divided bythe maximum part volume achieved in this set of experiments (Examples Ato D). The thermoformed part was visually inspected for any blisters andthe degree of blistering rated as none (N), low (L), or high (H). Theresults below demonstrate that these thermoplastic sheets with a glasstransition temperature of 111° C. can be thermoformed under theconditions shown below, as evidenced by the production of sheets havinggreater than 95% draw and no blistering, without predrying the sheetsprior to thermoforming. Thermoforming Conditions Part Quality Sheet PartHeat Time Temperature Volume Blisters Example (s) (° C.) (mL) Draw (%)(N, L, H) A 118 192 815 100 H B 99 182 815 100 H C 97 177 814 100 L D 87171 813 100 N E 80 160 802 98 N F 64 154 739 91 N G 60 149 0 0 NANA = not applicable.A value of zero indicates that the sheet was not formed because it didnot pull into the mold (likely because it was too cold).

Example 22 Comparative Example

A miscible blend consisting of 60 wt % Teijin L-1250 polycarbonate,39.85 wt % PCTG 25976, and 0.15 wt % Weston 619 was produced using a1.25 inch single screw extruder. Sheets consisting of the blend werethen produced using a 3.5 inch single screw extruder. A sheet wasextruded continuously, gauged to a thickness of 118 mil and then varioussheets were sheared to size. The glass transition temperature wasmeasured on one sheet and was 117° C. Sheets were then conditioned at50% relative humidity and 60° C. for 4 weeks. The moisture level wasmeasured to be 0.215 wt %. Sheets were subsequently thermoformed into afemale mold having a draw ratio of 2.5:1 using a Brown thermoformingmachine. The thermoforming oven heaters were set to 70/60/60% outputusing top heat only. Sheets were left in the oven for various amounts oftime in order to determine the effect of sheet temperature on the partquality as shown in the table below. Part quality was determined bymeasuring the volume of the thermoformed part, calculating the draw, andvisually inspecting the thermoformed part. The draw was calculated asthe part volume divided by the maximum part volume achieved in this setof experiments (Example A). The thermoformed part was visually inspectedfor any blisters and the degree of blistering rated as none (N), low(L), or high (H). The results below demonstrate that these thermoplasticsheets with a glass transition temperature of 117° C. cannot bethermoformed under the conditions shown below, as evidenced by theinability to produce sheets having greater than 95% draw and noblistering, without predrying the sheets prior to thermoforming.Thermoforming Conditions Part Quality Sheet Part Heat Time TemperatureVolume Blisters Example (s) (° C.) (mL) Draw (%) (N, L, H) A 114 196 813100 H B 100 182 804 99 H C 99 177 801 98 L D 92 171 784 96 L E 82 168727 89 L F 87 166 597 73 N

Example 23 Comparative Example

A miscible blend consisting of 65 wt % Teijin L-1250 polycarbonate,34.85 wt % PCTG 25976, and 0.15 wt % Weston 619 was produced using a1.25 inch single screw extruder. Sheets consisting of the blend werethen produced using a 3.5 inch single screw extruder. A sheet wasextruded continuously, gauged to a thickness of 118 mil and then varioussheets were sheared to size. The glass transition temperature wasmeasured on one sheet and was 120° C. Sheets were then conditioned at50% relative humidity and 60° C. for 4 weeks. The moisture level wasmeasured to be 0.23 wt %. Sheets were subsequently thermoformed into afemale mold having a draw ratio of 2.5:1 using a Brown thermoformingmachine. The thermoforming oven heaters were set to 70/60/60% outputusing top heat only. Sheets were left in the oven for various amounts oftime in order to determine the effect of sheet temperature on the partquality as shown in the table below. Part quality was determined bymeasuring the volume of the thermoformed part, calculating the draw, andvisually inspecting the thermoformed part. The draw was calculated asthe part volume divided by the maximum part volume achieved in this setof experiments (Example A). The thermoformed part was visually inspectedfor any blisters and the degree of blistering rated as none (N), low(L), or high (H). The results below demonstrate that these thermoplasticsheets with a glass transition temperature of 120° C. cannot bethermoformed under the conditions shown below, as evidenced by theinability to produce sheets having greater than 95% draw and noblistering, without predrying the sheets prior to thermoforming.Thermoforming Conditions Part Quality Sheet Part Heat Time TemperatureVolume Blisters Example (s) (° C.) (mL) Draw (%) (N, L, H) A 120 197 825100 H B 101 177 820 99 H C 95 174 781 95 L D 85 171 727 88 L E 83 166558 68 L

Example 24 Comparative Example

A miscible blend consisting of 70 wt % Teijin L-1250 polycarbonate,29.85 wt % PCTG 25976, and 0.15 wt % Weston 619 was produced using a1.25 inch single screw extruder. Sheets consisting of the blend werethen produced using a 3.5 inch single screw extruder. A sheet wasextruded continuously, gauged to a thickness of 118 mil and then varioussheets were sheared to size. The glass transition temperature wasmeasured on one sheet and was 123° C. Sheets were then conditioned at50% relative humidity and 60° C. for 4 weeks. The moisture level wasmeasured to be 0.205 wt %. Sheets were subsequently thermoformed into afemale mold having a draw ratio of 2.5:1 using a Brown thermoformingmachine. The thermoforming oven heaters were set to 70/60/60% outputusing top heat only. Sheets were left in the oven for various amounts oftime in order to determine the effect of sheet temperature on the partquality as shown in the table below. Part quality was determined bymeasuring the volume of the thermoformed part, calculating the draw, andvisually inspecting the thermoformed part. The draw was calculated asthe part volume divided by the maximum part volume achieved in this setof experiments (Examples A and B). The thermoformed part was visuallyinspected for any blisters and the degree of blistering rated as none(N), low (L), or high (H). The results below demonstrate that thesethermoplastic sheets with a glass transition temperature of 123° C.cannot be thermoformed under the conditions shown below, as evidenced bythe inability to produce sheets having greater than 95% draw and noblistering, without predrying the sheets prior to thermoforming.Thermoforming Conditions Part Quality Sheet Part Heat Time TemperatureVolume Blisters Example (s) (° C.) (mL) Draw (%) (N, L, H) A 126 198 826100 H B 111 188 822 100 H C 97 177 787 95 L D 74 166 161 19 L E 58 154 00 NA F 48 149 0 0 NANA = not applicable.A value of zero indicates that the sheet was not formed because it didnot pull into the mold (likely because it was too cold).

Example 25 Comparative Example

Sheets consisting of Teijin L-1250 polycarbonate were produced using a3.5 inch single screw extruder. A sheet was extruded continuously,gauged to a thickness of 118 mil and then various sheets were sheared tosize. The glass transition temperature was measured on one sheet and was149° C. Sheets were then conditioned at 50% relative humidity and 60° C.for 4 weeks. The moisture level was measured to be 0.16 wt %. Sheetswere subsequently thermoformed into a female mold having a draw ratio of2.5:1 using a Brown thermoforming machine. The thermoforming ovenheaters were set to 70/60/60% output using top heat only. Sheets wereleft in the oven for various amounts of time in order to determine theeffect of sheet temperature on the part quality as shown in the tablebelow. Part quality was determined by measuring the volume of thethermoformed part, calculating the draw and visually inspecting thethermoformed part. The draw was calculated as the part volume divided bythe maximum part volume achieved in this set of experiments (Example A).The thermoformed part was visually inspected for any blisters and thedegree of blistering rated as none (N), low (L), or high (H). Theresults below demonstrate that these thermoplastic sheets with a glasstransition temperature of 149° C. cannot be thermoformed under theconditions shown below, as evidenced by the inability to produce sheetshaving greater than 95% draw and no blistering, without predrying thesheets prior to thermoforming. Thermoforming Conditions Part QualitySheet Part Heat Time Temperature Volume Blisters Example (s) (° C.) (mL)Draw (%) (N, L, H) A 152 216 820 100 H B 123 193 805 98 H C 113 191 17922 H D 106 188 0 0 H E 95 182 0 0 NA F 90 171 0 0 NANA = not applicable.A value of zero indicates that the sheet was not formed because it didnot pull into the mold (likely because it was too cold).

It can be clearly seen from a comparison of the data in the aboverelevant working examples that the polyesters of the present inventionoffer a definite advantage over the commercially available polyesterswith regard to glass transition temperature, density, slowcrystallization rate, melt viscosity, and toughness.

The invention has been described in detail with reference to theembodiments disclosed herein, but it will be understood that variationsand modifications can be effected within the spirit and scope of theinvention.

1. A baby bottle comprising at least one polyester compositioncomprising at least one polyester which comprises: (a) a dicarboxylicacid component comprising: i) 70 to 100 mole % of terephthalic acidresidues; ii) 0 to 30 mole % of aromatic dicarboxylic acid residueshaving up to 20 carbon atoms; and iii) 0 to 10 mole % of aliphaticdicarboxylic acid residues having up to 16 carbon atoms; and (b) aglycol component comprising: i) 20 to 99 mole % of2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol residues; and ii) 1 to 80 mole %of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol residues, wherein the total mole % of thedicarboxylic acid component is 100 mole the total mole % of the glycolcomponent is 100 mole %; and wherein the inherent viscosity of saidpolyester is from 0.35 to 1.2 dL/g as determined in 60/40 (wt/wt)phenol/tetrachloroethane at a concentration of 0.5 g/100 ml at 25° C.;and wherein said polyester has a Tg of from 110 to 200° C.
 2. The babybottle of claim 1, wherein the inherent viscosity of said polyester isfrom 0.35 to 1.0 dL/g.
 3. The baby bottle of claim 1, wherein theinherent viscosity of said polyester is from 0.40 to 0.90 dL/g.
 4. Thebaby bottle of claim 1, wherein the inherent viscosity of said polyesteris from greater than 0.42 to 0.80 dL/g.
 5. The baby bottle of claim 1,wherein the inherent viscosity of said polyester is from 0.45 to 0.75dL/g.
 6. The baby bottle of claim 1, wherein the inherent viscosity ofsaid polyester is from 0.50 to 0.68 dL/g.
 7. The baby bottle of claim 1,wherein the inherent viscosity of said polyester is from 0.35 to 0.75dL/g.
 8. The baby bottle of claim 1, wherein the inherent viscosity ofsaid polyester is from 0.60 to 0.72 dL/g.
 9. The baby bottle of claim 1,wherein said polyester has a Tg of 115 to 180° C.
 10. The baby bottle ofclaim 1, wherein said polyester has a Tg of 120 to 150° C.
 11. The babybottle of claim 1, wherein said polyester has a Tg of 130 to 145° C. 12.The baby bottle of claim 7, wherein said polyester has a Tg of 130 to145° C.
 13. The baby bottle of claim 1, wherein the glycol component ofsaid polyester comprises 25 to 90 mole %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 1 to 75 mole %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol.
 14. The baby bottle of claim 1, wherein theglycol component of said polyester comprises 35 to 80 mole %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 20 to 65 mole %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol.
 15. The baby bottle of claim 1, wherein theglycol component of said polyester comprises 40 to 80 mole %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 20 to 60 mole %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol.
 16. The baby bottle of claim 1, wherein theglycol component of said polyester comprises 45 to 80 mole %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 20 to 55 mole %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol.
 17. The baby bottle of claim 1, wherein theglycol component of said polyester comprises 50 to 80 mole %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 20 to 50 mole %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol.
 18. The baby bottle of claim 1, wherein theglycol component of said polyester comprises 40 to 65 mole %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 35 to 60 mole %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol.
 19. The baby bottle of claim 7, wherein theglycol component of said polyester comprises 40 to 80 mole %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 20 to 60 mole %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol.
 20. The baby bottle of claim 7, wherein theglycol component of said polyester comprises 40 to 65 mole %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 35 to 60 mole %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol.
 21. The baby bottle of claim 11, wherein theglycol component of said polyester comprises 40 to 65 mole %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 35 to 60 mole %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol.
 22. The baby bottle of claim 1, wherein thedicarboxylic acid component comprises 80 to 100 mole % of terephthalicacid residues.
 23. The baby bottle of claim 1, wherein the dicarboxylicacid component comprises 90 to 100 mole % of terephthalic acid residues.24. The baby bottle of claim 1, wherein the dicarboxylic acid componentcomprises 95 to 100 mole % of terephthalic acid residues.
 25. The babybottle of claim 7, wherein the dicarboxylic acid component comprises 95to 100 mole % of terephthalic acid residues.
 26. The baby bottle ofclaim 11, wherein the dicarboxylic acid component comprises 95 to 100mole % of terephthalic acid residues.
 27. The baby bottle of claim 1,wherein said polyester comprises 1,3-propanediol residues,1,4-butanediol residues, or mixture thereof.
 28. The baby bottle ofclaim 1, wherein said 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol is amixture comprising greater than 50 mole % ofcis-2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and less than 50 mole % oftrans-2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol.
 29. The baby bottle ofclaim 7, wherein said 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol is amixture comprising greater than 50 mole % ofcis-2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and less than 50 mole % oftrans-2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol.
 30. The baby bottle ofclaim 11, wherein said 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol is amixture comprising greater than 50 mole % ofcis-2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and less than 50 mole % oftrans-2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol.
 31. The baby bottle ofclaim 1, wherein said 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol is amixture comprising greater than 55 mole % ofcis-2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and less than 45 mole % oftrans-2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol.
 32. The baby bottle ofclaim 1, wherein said polyester composition comprises at least onepolymer chosen from poly(etherimides), polyphenylene oxides,poly(phenylene oxide)/polystyrene blends, polystyrene resins,polyphenylene sulfides, polyphenylene sulfide/sulfones,poly(ester-carbonates), polycarbonates, polysulfones; polysulfoneethers, and poly(ether-ketones).
 33. The baby bottle of claim 1, whereinsaid polyester composition comprises at least one polycarbonate.
 34. Thebaby bottle of claim 1, wherein said polyester comprises at least onebranching agent residue for the polyester.
 35. The baby bottle of claim1, wherein said polyester comprises at least one branching agent residuein an amount of 0.01 to 10 weight % based on the total weight of thepolyester.
 36. The baby bottle of claim 1, wherein the melt viscosity ofsaid polyester is less than 30,000 poise as measured at 1 radian/secondon a rotary melt rheometer at 290° C.
 37. The baby bottle of claim 1,wherein said polyester has a crystallization half-time of greater than1,000 minutes at 170° C.
 38. The baby bottle of claim 1, wherein saidpolyester has a crystallization half-time of greater than 10,000 minutesat 170° C.
 39. The baby bottle of claim 1, wherein said polyestercomposition has a density of less than 1.2 g/ml at 23° C.
 40. The babybottle of claim 1, wherein said polyester composition comprises at leastone thermal stabilizer.
 41. The baby bottle of claim 1, wherein theyellowness index of said polyester according to ASTM D-1925 is less than50.
 42. The baby bottle of claim 1, wherein said polyester has a notchedIzod impact strength of at least 10 ft-lbs/in at 23° C. according toASTM D256 with a 10-mil notch in a 1/8-inch thick bar.
 43. The babybottle of claim 1, wherein said polyester has an inherent viscosity offrom 0.5 to
 1. 44. A baby bottle comprising at least one polyestercomposition comprising at least one polyester which comprises (a) adicarboxylic acid component comprising: i) 70 to 100 mole % ofterephthalic acid residues; ii) 0 to 30 mole % of aromatic dicarboxylicacid residues having up to 20 carbon atoms; and iii) 0 to 10 mole % ofaliphatic dicarboxylic acid residues having up to 16 carbon atoms; and(b) a glycol component comprising: i) 40 to 80 mole % of2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol residues; and ii) 20 to 60 mole% of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol residues, wherein the total mole % of thedicarboxylic acid component is 100 mole %, and the total mole % of theglycol component is 100 mole %; wherein the inherent viscosity of saidpolyester is from 0.35 to 0.75 dL/g as determined in 60/40 (wt/wt)phenol/tetrachloroethane at a concentration of 0.5 g/100 ml at 25° C.;and wherein said polyester has a Tg of 110 to 170° C.
 45. The babybottle of claim 44, wherein said polyester has a Tg of 120 to 150° C.46. The baby bottle of claim 44, wherein said polyester has a Tg of 130to 145° C.
 47. The baby bottle of claim 44, wherein the inherentviscosity of said polyester is from 0.50 to 0.68 dL/g.
 48. The babybottle of claim 46, wherein the inherent viscosity of said polyester isfrom 0.50 to 0.68 dL/g.
 49. A baby bottle comprising at least onepolyester composition comprising at least one polyester which comprises:(a) a dicarboxylic acid component comprising: i) 70 to 100 mole % ofterephthalic acid residues; ii) 0 to 30 mole % of aromatic dicarboxylicacid residues having up to 20 carbon atoms; and iii) 0 to 10 mole % ofaliphatic dicarboxylic acid residues having up to 16 carbon atoms; and(b) a glycol component comprising: i) 40 to 65 mole % of2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol residues; and ii) 35 to 60 mole% of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol residues, wherein the total mole % of thedicarboxylic acid component is 100 mole %, and the total mole % of theglycol component is 100 mole %; wherein the inherent viscosity of saidpolyester is from 0.35 to 0.75 dL/g as determined in 60/40 (wt/wt)phenol/tetrachloroethane at a concentration of 0.5 g/100 ml at 25° C.;and wherein said polyester has a Tg of 110 to 170° C.
 50. The babybottle of claim 49, wherein said polyester has a Tg of 120 to 150° C.51. The baby bottle of claim 49, wherein said polyester has a Tg of 130to 145° C.
 52. The baby bottle of claim 49, wherein the inherentviscosity of said polyester is from 0.50 to 0.68 dL/g.
 53. The babybottle of claim 51, wherein the inherent viscosity of said polyester isfrom 0.50 to 0.68 dL/g.
 54. A baby bottle comprising at least onepolyester composition comprising at least one polyester which comprises:(a) a dicarboxylic acid component comprising: i) 70 to 100 mole % ofterephthalic acid residues; ii) 0 to 30 mole % of aromatic dicarboxylicacid residues having up to 20 carbon atoms; and iii) 0 to 10 mole % ofan aliphatic dicarboxylic acid or an ester thereof having up to 16carbon atoms; and (b) a glycol component comprising: i) 40 to 65 mole %of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol residues; and ii) 35 to 60mole % of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol residues, wherein the total mole %of the dicarboxylic acid component is 100 mole %, and the total mole %of the glycol component is 100 mole %; wherein the inherent viscosity ofsaid polyester is 0.35 to 0.75 dL/g as determined in 60/40 (wt/wt)phenol/tetrachloroethane at a concentration of 0.5 g/100 ml at 25° C.;wherein said polyester has a Tg of 110 to 170° C.
 55. The baby bottle ofclaim 54, wherein said polyester has a Tg of 120 to 150° C.
 56. The babybottle of claim 54, wherein said polyester has a Tg of 130 to 145° C.57. The baby bottle of claim 54, wherein the inherent viscosity of saidpolyester is from 0.50 to 0.68 dL/g.
 58. The baby bottle of claim 56,wherein the inherent viscosity of said polyester is from 0.50 to 0.68dL/g.
 59. A baby bottle comprising at least one polyester compositioncomprising at least one polyester which comprises: (a) a dicarboxylicacid component comprising: i) 70 to 100 mole % of terephthalic acidresidues; ii) 0 to 30 mole % of aromatic dicarboxylic acid residueshaving up to 20 carbon atoms; and iii) 0 to 10 mole % of an aliphaticdicarboxylic acid residues having up to 16 carbon atoms; (b) a glycolcomponent comprising: i) 20 to 99 mole % of2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol residues; and ii) 1 to 80 mole %of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol residues; (c) at least one branching agentresidue; wherein the total mole % of the dicarboxylic acid component is100 mole %, and the total mole % of the glycol component is 100 mole %;wherein the inherent viscosity of said polyester is 0.35 to 1.2 dL/g asdetermined in 60/40 (wt/wt) phenol/tetrachloroethane at a concentrationof 0.5 g/100 ml at 25° C.; and wherein said polyester has a Tg of 110 to200° C.
 60. The baby bottle of claim 59, wherein said polyester has a Tgof 120 to 150° C.
 61. The baby bottle of claim 59, wherein saidpolyester has a Tg of 130 to 145° C.
 62. The baby bottle of claim 59,wherein the inherent viscosity of said polyester is from 0.35 to 0.75dL/g.
 63. The baby bottle of claim 59, wherein the inherent viscosity ofsaid polyester is from 0.50 to 0.68 dL/g.
 64. The baby bottle of claim59, wherein the inherent viscosity of said polyester is from 0.60 to0.72 dL/g.
 65. The baby bottle of claim 61, wherein the inherentviscosity of said polyester is from 0.50 to 0.68 dL/g.
 66. The babybottle of claim 61, wherein the inherent viscosity of said polyester isfrom 0.60 to 0.72 dL/g.
 67. A baby bottle comprising at least onepolyester composition comprising at least one polyester which comprises:(a) a dicarboxylic acid component comprising: i) 70 to 100 mole % ofterephthalic acid residues; ii) 0 to 30 mole % of aromatic dicarboxylicacid residues having up to 20 carbon atoms; and iii) 0 to 10 mole % ofaliphatic dicarboxylic acid residues having up to 16 carbon atoms; and(b) a glycol component comprising: i) 40 to 65 mole % of2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol residues; and ii) 35 to 60 mole% of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol residues, wherein the total mole % of thedicarboxylic acid component is 100 mole %, and the total mole % of theglycol component is 100 mole %; wherein the inherent viscosity of saidpolyester is from 0.60 to 0.75 dL/g as determined in 60/40 (wt/wt)phenol/tetrachloroethane at a concentration of 0.5 g/100 ml at 25° C.;and wherein said polyester has a Tg of 110 to 150° C.
 68. The babybottle of claim 67, wherein said polyester has a Tg of 120 to 150° C.69. The baby bottle of claim 67, wherein said polyester has a Tg of 130to 145° C.
 70. The baby bottle of claim 67, wherein the inherentviscosity of said polyester is from 0.60 to 0.72 dL/g.
 71. A baby bottlecomprising at least one polyester composition comprising at least onepolyester which comprises: (a) a dicarboxylic acid component comprising:i) 70 to 100 mole % of terephthalic acid residues; ii) 0 to 30 mole % ofaromatic dicarboxylic acid residues having up to 20 carbon atoms; andiii) 0 to 10 mole % of aliphatic dicarboxylic acid residues having up to16 carbon atoms; and (b) a glycol component comprising: i) 45 to 60 mole% of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol residues; and ii) 40 to 55mole % of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol residues, wherein the total mole %of the dicarboxylic acid component is 100 mole %, and the total mole %of the glycol component is 100 mole %; wherein the inherent viscosity ofsaid polyester is from 0.35 to 0.75 dL/g as determined in 60/40 (wt/wt)phenol/tetrachloroethane at a concentration of 0.5 g/100 ml at 25° C.;and wherein said polyester has a Tg of 110 to 150° C.
 72. The babybottle of claim 71, wherein said polyester has a Tg of 120 to 150° C.73. The baby bottle of claim 71, wherein said polyester has a Tg of 130to 145° C.
 74. The baby bottle of claim 71, wherein the inherentviscosity of said polyester is from 0.50 to 0.68 dL/g.
 75. The babybottle of claim 73, wherein the inherent viscosity of said polyester isfrom 0.50 to 0.68 dL/g.